Awase: from the verb ‘awaseru’ 合わせる
to meet; to join together; to blend/match
Over the past few weeks, we have continued to evaluate and adjust the manner in which we can return to in-person training safely. Our main concern is creating a conscientious environment that allows us to continue our practice with modifications that address the realities of our current circumstances. The dojo has always been a place of awareness and conscious action, so our efforts will be helped when you bring this same spirit back with you.
All streaming classes will continue as scheduled, and we will now provide limited in-person options that will be handled in the following way:
Zazen (meditation):Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 pm.
Four people may join zazen in the dojo; sits will continue to be livestreamed.
As previously noted, this will be conducted in the following manner:
Students must arrive at the dojo wearing a mask (per State guidelines) and wearing the clothes in which they will meditate. This will eliminate the use of changing rooms.
Hand sanitizer will be provided upon entry to and exit from the dojo
Cushions will be spaced a minimum of six feet apart and we will sit facing the wall
The back door will be open (weather permitting) to allow for additional airflow
The dojo will be cleaned and sanitized before students arrive and after leaving
Iaido (solo sword drawing): Saturdays at 12:00 pm.
Two students may join Iaido classes in the dojo. These classes will allow more than six feet of personal space in which to practice these solo forms. The same guidelines noted above for zazen will apply for these classes, but changing clothes will be allowed on premises one person at a time.
The dojo is still officially closed to the public and participation in classes at the dojo is contingent on your own comfort level and by taking all the necessary precautions to ensure personal and public health. If you are sick or have been within two weeks, or have been exposed to someone who has, do not join the classes in the dojo. Our gradual return to practice in the dojo will continue to be done in the context of the overall societal mitigation efforts.
If you judge that it would not be prudent for you to do in-person classes at this time, I completely understand and we will continue to provide ways for you to train online. Continuing your practice, however you are able, is an important part of facing what life presents and moving forward.