Changing Dojos

Josh Levine

     Changing Dojos was harder than I expected. After training for 3 years at North Bay Aikido in Santa Cruz, CA, I graduated from University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC) and moved to a new city for a job and to be closer to my family. I spent a year trying several local dojos but the prevailing style in the region was much different than I was used to. I missed the morning trainings on the UCSC campus and evening trainings at the North Bay Aikido dojo in downtown Santa Cruz. I missed the annual Kangeiko training (week-long winter intensive) and the summer retreats. Most importantly, I missed Linda Holiday Sensei and Glen Kimoto Sensei, the dojo community, and the training style I had grown accustomed to.

     Sometimes we don't realize how special something is until we lose it. I told myself that Aikido is about blending with adversity and learning from others no matter in which dojo you practice. This was easier said than done. I overlooked the sense of familiarity that spans techniques, dojo etiquette, people, and personalities. These subtle nuances combine to make a dojo a place to call home.

     In 2001, I finished grad school and found myself moving cities again - this time to Seattle. After 5 years in Seattle, I found an old 'to do' list that said "try Aikido in Seattle." In January 2006, after a 12 year hiatus, I joined TCA. I feel fortunate to part of a community that is inviting, a training style that is challenging but compassionate, and team of instructors that are inspiring. Thank you for helping me find a dojo to call home again.

Josh Levine has a consumer marketing and business development background and currently works for IceBreaker, Inc. which makes mobile software that is engaging and easy to use. He trained for 4 years at Aikido of Santa Cruz, took a 12 year hiatus, and found Two Cranes in 2005. He also enjoys the outdoors, travel, tennis, and cooking.