PTP FAQ 1st draft
Q: What is "Peace Training?
O Sensei talked about intention is key, in how aikido is different from other martial arts.
"Peace Training" will literally take this idea one-step further. Can we include actually getting to the dojo, and the means by which we get there, as a part of our intentions towards peace, and harmony with nature? This is the Peace Trainer's goal. We will travel and train with a mindful approach towards the goals of world peace; addressing social and environmental concerns; and reaching out to our neighbors and our own role in fostering these goals within our own communities.
On a given date, participating dojo's will host a "Peace Training Night," in which Peace Trainers will visit; train; make a brief statement about the intentions of Peace Training; and then pass around a jo for everyone to grasp, before Sensei signs it with a red marker. Traveling to all participating dojo's, that jo will get passed around by a lot of hands, and get a lot of signatures signed on it from participating Sensei's.
Initially the circle will be small--limited to the Bay Area and Peninsula. Once the Bay Area Circle is complete: we will "widen" the circle to include all California; then the West Coast; and then finally, across the US. Once the Peace Training event has completed on the East Coast: the dojo will be presented to an Iranian aikido Sensei as a gesture of good will, from the American aikidoists.
Q: Anything else?
As a final gesture of harmony and good will, Peace Trainers will present a gift from one dojo, to the next. The nature of the gift is dependent upon the hosting dojo...as in all gift, it's the thought that counts. And so, as we travel from one dojo to the next; we will be presenting a gift, and then receiving a gift for the next dojo on the list, to present on the next Peace Training Night.
Q: That's it? Won't you be asking for donations; show a film; or be making some sort of membership drive?
No. Donations will be gratefully accepted in the upcoming Facebook page: but there will be no direct appeals for funding. This is about intention and training; not fundraising. Of course, Peace Trainers will be expected to pay any mat fees, travel costs, or necessary lodging for extended trips (barring any grants that cover these costs, of course).
Q: What makes this different than a usual night out training?
This is where the catchy name comes in. If possible, we will take the train--Amtrak; CalTrain; or BART...the point is to use an alternative to a car, or a plane. As the circle widens, traveling via train across the US will be a big part of Peace Training.
With so many people jetting to where they need to go: it is no secret that our rail infrastructure is sadly in disrepair. An aikido-trip using rail will also highlight the environmentally friendly benefits of traveling in this way.
Q: Why not use cars?
We all take what steps we can toward peace. Part of making that peace is considering what role we personally play in contributing to global warming, which is a very unpeaceful change to our planet. Global warming has been cited as a military concern by the Pentagon: and is already making certain parts of the world increasingly uninhabitable.
Q: Does this mean that people who couldn't otherwise get there without their car should stay away?
No. Everyone who wants to train and "pass the jo" is welcome. Getting to some dojo's in remote places might be too daunting, for some. But even driving in a car and thinking about these issues is a step in the right direction.
Q: Are you going to document this somehow?
Yes. Social media, including a facebook page; website; blogging and videos of interviews showcasing efforts of individual dojo members is also being planned. A documentary is also possible.
Q: So, who are you representing?
Peace Trainers represent themselves. We are not a group, so much as individuals who will devote some nights toward training with an intent towards healing the planet. We would like to highlight the efforts you and your dojo make towards that goal, and express these intentions towards our fellow aikidoists.
Q: When will this all take place? What do you need to get this rolling?
Peace Training will likely occur next year.
And we need your help. No push towards peace can exist on the shoulders on one person, working alone. Luckily, your participation can be as small or large as you like. Specifically,
* Sensei's. The more the hosting Sensei participates: the more successful the Peace Training. Sensei's act as a conduit between the visitor and the larger community. A Peace Training event could follow up with an interview with an aikidoist community activist, a trip to a community event, or anything that connects the Peace Trainers' intentions with the host dojo and their resident community.
However, a Peace Training night can also be a low key affair, especially in the smaller dojo's. A class, a few words and a simple passing of the jo might be all that is needed.
* Participants. Jump on board the Peace Train! How much you want to participate is up to you. It is fine if you just want to support us by attending the night we visit. But the more you participate, the more the idea will catch on. More than just one night: you could travel to several dojo's in your area and train with us; or talk to local dojo's about hosting.
We will also attend other events that hold a community or social organizing interest (the World Social Forum was one idea). Your ideas and input on where we can travel or what we should highlight is also welcome.
* Hardware, software. PC's; video-editing; and decent cameras are all needed. Any documentarian's out there considering their next movie? We want to talk to you.
* Skill-sets. Everyone on board! For those who want to jump in with both feet, the following skills are needed:
- Journalists, DJs, and talk-show hosts
- Video-editors and interviewers
- Travel-agents and "go-betweens" who can help navigate the labyrinths of extensively using rail and the metro, as well as making arrangements for the longer journey, cross-country.
- Social Activists/aikidoists. We want to hear your stories. How is your work affecting the community? Is there anything you would like to share?
- Grant Writers. While Peace Training is not about funding and anyone can participate for free; but the costs of transportation and logistics could be daunting. Grant writers are needed to seek alternative funding sources besides direct monetary appeals from within the dojo.
* Lodging, to defray costs. Dojo's that allow for guests to sleep overnight would aid our efforts significantly.