Win First, then Fight

In Japanese, the word dojo means “Place of the Way” or “Place of the Path.”  The dojo is where martial artists train in the way of Karate, or take the path of Aikido.  It’s more than just a gym for working out, as they don’t just practice kicks, punches or throws in their dojos.  They cultivate both mind and body.  They learn to see, think and move according to their chosen art, and how to respond to the world around them as it unfolds.  It is a sacred place, respected by teachers and students alike.

The dojo mindset is the spirit of preparation.  It means recognizing that the fight is won before it happens.  It means exploring many techniques with open-mindedness, then concentrating only the most effective ones.  It means focusing mindfully to master even the smallest details.  It means repeating endlessly simple elements of recognition and movement until they are thoughtless and automatic.  The dojo mindset allows the fighter’s mind to be free when the fight actually takes place.

There are essentially two types of ballplayers: trained and untrained.  An untrained player reacts to a situation emotionally, unpredictably and ineffectively.  A trained player responds to the same situation efficiently, automatically and without fear.  A player who trains with a dojo mindset wins before the game is even played.

As we all prepare for the upcoming season, ask yourself—have you already won, or are you waiting for the games to start?

Are you trained or untrained?

Welcome to the Dojo.