by David Lynch

Open to All Styles

Gasshuku is the Japanese term for 'getting together under one roof', the aim being to achieve increased understanding and friendship through a period of concentrated training and living together. Like gasshuku centres in Japan, the Koru Dojo is open to all varieties of aikido, regardless of affiliation, and is dedicated to the promotion of friendship and harmony.

Having spent several years training in each of the major aikido schools in Japan, I came to believe we often place too much importance on differences in technical form at the expense of Osensei's philosophy of universal harmony. Of course, different dojo have diverse training methods but when these differences become a source of conflict they promote a narrow-minded view which contrasts with Osensei's vision of 'the whole world as one family'.

In my classes I try to point out where the different styles share common principles and how the different approaches of my Japanese aikido teachers can be used positively to enhance one's understanding. Any group is welcome to 'do their own thing' when hiring the dojo, and I am happy to contribute, or not, as required.

Groups and individuals from New Zealand and overseas have stayed at the Koru Dojo for periods ranging from a weekend to several months.