General Discussion

Dear Members of Brooklyn Aikikai,

As I write this letter, I am on hold with the IRS, waiting to talk to someone about a fine they are trying to levy. 

The spirit of one—taking—and of the other—the dojo’s giving—presently stand in stark juxtaposition.  The former, at the moment, makes me incredibly anxious; the latter fills with me a humble gratitude, a feeling of both unworthiness and thankfulness at once.  A desire to turn this communal gift into something more.

As the time from my having been a student at the dojo lengthens, there are more and more unfamiliar faces.  Yet the spirit of generosity continues, even as that generosity extends to someone many of you do not know.  It is relatively easy to give when you know the recipient, much harder when you do not.

Thank you all for allowing my budding dojo to be the recipient of your expansive good will.  We are looking for our own space, and this donation will go a long way toward that goal.  

And thank you, of course, to my teacher, Savoca Sensei, and Kate Savoca Sensei.  Without you, there would be no dojo here in Philadelphia to help.  I am immensely grateful to you.

Thank you,

Andrés

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Dear Brooklyn Aikikai Dojo Members,

I am filled with deep, deep gratitude for the donation provided by Brooklyn Aikikai's Spring Benefit to Jersey City Aikikai.

One of the things I admire most about Brooklyn Aikikai is the spirit of giving that sits at its core.  A spirit to give everything in every moment.  This spirit of giving is what our teachers built into the very fabric of this dojo and community.  It is my dream to one day build a community that can uphold this tradition because in my heart and mind this is exactly what all beings need.  One day I hope to pay this generosity forward.

I will not let this donation go to waste and I will make sure every last bit is used to the best of its possibility.  

Please know the deep love that I carry for this community.

Deep bows,

Kotō