Tuesday training started the same way as it normally does with me racing around all afternoon taking my lovely daughters from one place to another before scrambling into the dojo. This is where the story gets interesting, upon entering the dojo I was overcome by its cleanliness. There were clean floors, toilets, equipment stacked, no cobwebs and chairs neatly arranged.
I was overcome with happiness, someone else loved my dojo. For far too long have I accepted that if i didn’t clean it up then it wouldn’t get done. It seemed like all the people training there didn’t care. I asked all the people at the kids class did anyone know who did this, but no one knew.
It was only when Brian showed up that he revealed it was his lovely wife, Eddie and Brian that had cleaned the dojo and disinfected everything. I was and am still very grateful for their effort but upon reflection this act of kindness also provided great sadness.
Where were all of our students that use the equipment day in and day out, where were all the people who Bruce and I had spent considerable time training them, where were all the people that so easily accept crosses from us, where was the Brotherhood that my badge for so many years has been worn with pride.
Unfortunately some of the problem lies with me, I rarely ask for help which is a downfall of being brought up in a family of strong willed we can do anything people. And the rest of the problem lies with each of us to allow OUR DOJO to become dirty.
We are not a gym that you walk in pay your money, train and leave. We do not charge absorbadent fees. We are a club and in particular a club that belongs to the BOB JONES MARTIAL ARTS group. We pride ourselves on sticking together and helping each other out, on looking out for those that train with us.
So my question to you is – are you going to be a part of the solution or a part of the problem? Are you going to have pride in your dojo? and are you going to be part of this great club or merely someone that blows in uses the gear and leaves without a thought for anyone else.
Kyoshi Brad
BJMA EAST COAST 