Reishin Dojo

- the martial arts school of politeness, modesty, and respect

Reishin Dojo was founded in May 2002 by Sensei Victor M. Merea Ortega and Susan Dybkjaer Johansson. The purpose of the dojo is to provide children, adolescents, and adults with the opportunity to practice and learn the Japanese martial art of Aikido, and furthermore to enhance and promote understanding and social interaction between practitioners - regardless of age, gender, culture, social background,and religion.

Our Dojo-cho (Jap.: "headmaster") and chief instructor, Victor Sensei, is a direct student of Shihan Reishin Kawai (8. Dan), who was for many years the head of South American Aikido. Victor Sensei, originally from Perú, spent five years as an uchi-deshi (Jap.: "disciple in the house" - a student who literally lives in the house of his Master, accompanying him on journeys, etc.) with Reishin Kawai - the traditional Japanese way of learning a martial art!

Reishin Dojo in 2005, during the visit by Kawai (front row, center)

Reishin Dojo was named in honour of Reishin Kawai - and with great mindfulness of the fact that all Japanese names have meaning. The characters "Rei-Shin" mean "Politeness and Modesty", and together they may be translated as "Respect". We aim to create a place where everyone feels appreciated, where it is possible to come together and learn new things together, and from each other. Therefore, in this dojo, respect plays a crucial part: respect between instructors and students; respect towards each other as human beings; respect toward the dojo, and the tools and weapons we use; and last but not least, respect towards oneself.

As a central element of this vision, we believe in teaching in a safe manner, and safety and comfort is very important to us. We expect our teachers and students to do their utmost to maintain and promote this characteristic.

"We are pleased to bid all new and future students a heartfelt welcome to Reshin Dojo!"

- Sensei Victor M. Merea Ortega