Written by This Friday, November 4th, we had House Sorting Day at the dojo. As you might know the dojo consists of four different houses – Tatsu (dragon), Tenko (fox), Suzaku (phoenix), and Shisa (lion dogs). Each one of them represents a different virtue.
Once a year new members of our dojo family are getting sorted in their houses. This is done by chance or faith as some say. I, myself, am part of the Suzaku house, which represents the fire element and the season summer correspondingly.
This year it was my son’s turn to have his house chosen for him. He ended up in house Tatsu. Dragons, per Okinawan mythology, are pure and kind creatures, which offer their wisdom and power to those seeking it.
One highlight of the event is the board breaking demonstration, in which students of all ages and skill levels have the opportunity to break a wooden board as a test of their strength and focus. This activity is not only fun to watch, but it also helps to build confidence and discipline in the students.