thePULSEThe Culture of the Zenshinkan Dojo
By Annette Cinelli
There are few places in this world where you can go to better yourself both physically and spiritually. Luckily, The Zenshinkan Dojo, located right here in Worcester on 65 Water Street, is one of them. Training at the Zenshinkan Dojo places emphasis on two elements, Budo and Zen.
Robert Caron Sensei, the main instructor at the dojo, was gracious enough to let me watch a class and then took time afterwards to explain those two principles. “Budo literally means ‘Martial Way’ and is the practice of integrating the highest principles of martial arts into your daily life. The type of Budo we practice is called Aikido, which is a non-competitive and non-violent Japanese martial art of self-defense. Zen is a sincere search for a deeper and more complete Self through meditation. We teach these disciplines concurrently to create an extraordinary experience of personal growth and refinement for our members.”
Aikido is different than most martial arts because it emphasizes a non-violent approach to self-defense. But don’t be fooled into thinking that this makes it any less physically challenging. Within the first fifteen minutes of the class, after stretching and practicing moves across the mats, the class had certainly worked up a sweat. The class then moved on to practicing various pinning techniques with each other.
Even as you are being attacked, the goal is not to hurt the other person, but rather keep them safe while protecting yourself. The physicality cannot be denied, but neither can the spiritual component. During class, the importance of working with each other rather than resisting one another is stressed. It is not about proving who is the stronger, faster, or better person, it is about working together for the greater good. The dojo’s website states that it is the goal of the training to “…refine ourselves and pass what we have learned on to others.” Aikido is a way for a person to peel away his/her outer layers and come to a truer realization of the actual self.”
This spiritual emphasis is another way that Aikido is different from other self-defense program. Any self-defense class can have physical health benefits, but Aikido offers a way to improve your spiritually as well. The idea began with founder Morihei Ueshiba, who “…came to view his martial training as a means of personal purification and spiritual training.”
The dojo also offers classes in Zen, a form of meditation that is used to experience a higher sense of awareness, a pursuit of enlightenment that is shared by Aikido training as well. In both, it is important to be completely aware of your body, where it is, and what it is doing. The goal of Zen is to synchronize the mind, body, and breathing, eventually achieving Samadhi, a state of complete concentration and relaxation.
There are many benefits to Aikido and Zen training. Caron says, “I think the take-home message is that these practices can and will help you to change your life physically, mentally and spiritually. Our programs help you to see and experience more out of life and do it in a fun and supportive environment. These practices help you unleash your fullest potential.”
Caron encourages people to come down and watch a class or sit in on Zen meditation, “Our center is a workshop where people come and work on themselves ~ that sort of practice will benefit every aspect of your life: time, money, relationships, and peace of mind and spirit. Besides, what could be more fun than throwing people around after a tough day at the office?” The center offers Aikido for adults as well as for children, and the students at the dojo range in age from 7 on up. Classes in Aikido and Zen, Japanese Language, and Yoga are offered at various times 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday. The monthly membership price for Aikido and Zen is only $70 a month. Visit www.zenshinkan.com/home.asp or call (508)799-9106 for more information.
