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Some Birankai North America dojos incorporate Zen Buddhism in their study of Aikido.
Zen has an important historical connection to the martial culture of Japan.
This is no coincidence: emphasizing the impermanence of life and focusing
on the present suited it well for the early samurai, whose life was constantly
at risk and whose survival depended on the ability to act quickly and instinctively.
For the modern martial artists, Zen also offers a way to increase one's focus
in practice. Similarly, the non-intellectualizing pedagogy of Zen can help
Westerners come to terms with the way Aikido is taught.
In practical terms, the incorporation of Zen means that these dojos offer regular Zazen meditation and may also arrange Sesshin, several-day meditation retreats. Dai Bai Zan Cho Bo Zen Ji, a Rinzai Zen temple in Seattle has a close relationship to the Birankai North America. Participation in Zazen and Sesshin is voluntary. One need not share the Zen Buddhist approach to Aikido to practice at any of the following dojos. |
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| Birankai North America dojos which practice zazen: | |
| San Diego Aikikai | |
| Aiki Farms Aikikai | |
| Aikido Shinjinkai | |
| Alameda Aikikai | |
| Brooklyn Aikikai | |
| Copper Mountain Aikido | |
| Huron Valley Aikikai | |