The Importance of a Dojo Blessing

As we open the doors of our new Morumbí Jiu Jitsu Academy in Camarillo, I feel a deep responsibility not just to share techniques, but to honor the spirit of the dojo itself. For me, this is not only a place where students will learn, struggle, and grow—it is also a sacred space, one that deserves to be treated with respect and gratitude from the very beginning.

This is why I felt it was essential to invite my Zen teacher Doshin Sensei from Zenshuji Soto Temple, along with visiting priests, to conduct a traditional dojo blessing.

In Japan, from the time of the samurai, martial arts schools often began with a dedication or blessing ceremony. This act connected the physical training hall (the dojo) with something larger—the values of discipline, respect, safety, and mindfulness. The ceremony was never just ritual; it was a way of recognizing the dojo as a place of transformation. Students and teachers alike stepped onto the mats knowing they were part of a lineage much older and greater than themselves.

The blessing we will hold follows in that spirit. Through chanting, offerings, and symbolic purification, the priests will dedicate our dojo as a place where sincere effort, humility, and mutual respect can flourish. It is both a prayer for safety and an affirmation that what we do here is meaningful, not just for martial skill but for personal growth and community.

On a personal level, this ceremony carries profound weight. As a lifelong student, I remember the impact of my own teachers who not only taught techniques, but who modeled reverence for the dojo, for the art, and for life itself. As a teacher, I want my students to feel that same sense of connection—that they are training in a space where respect and tradition guide us. And as head instructor, I want our academy's foundation to rest on more than business or sport; I want it rooted in values that endure.

Although this is a Zen tradition, it is not limited to Zen practitioners. The spirit of the blessing is universal. It does not belong to any single religion or culture—it is simply an acknowledgment of gratitude, respect, and hope for the future. Whether you come to train, to watch, or simply to be part of our community, this ceremony welcomes all.

By beginning our journey this way, we remind ourselves that Jiu Jitsu is not only about the mat—it is about how we live, how we treat one another, and the legacy we leave for future students.

Gassho
(Palm to Palm)

Professor Raul