About the Dojo

History

The Ojirowashi dojo building, formerly an Apostolic church, was built back in 1972 and had a congregation of over 100 people. It was purchased in June 1995 by Mary-Joan Bradley and Terry Dean, directors of Adelaide Yoshinkai Aikido who had plans to convert it into a useable working dojo. One half of the building was converted and dedicated to professional aikido training while the other half serves as personal living quarters.

The Ojirowashi dojo was opened for business on August 11, 1996 and is now considered a privately run independent dojo. It should be noted that while this dojo is not an official IYAF dojo, we do have an indirect association with the Yoshinkan Honbu because it's chief instructor, Mary-Joan Bradley is the holder of a registered IYAF aikido instructor's certificate. This was awarded in December 1993 and was upgraded again in March 1, 2000. According to the IYAF bylaws, membership is automatic for all persons belonging to existing or future Yoshinkan groups.

The Ojirowashi name

The dojo was given the Japanese name Ojirowashi which means 'sea eagle'. Ojiro is the ancient name for "sea" and washi is the name for "eagle". The white-bellied sea eagle is a resident of the South Australian coastline and a picture of this majestic creature hangs centrally in the dojo, painted by local artist Jeremy Boot. The symbolism of the sea eagle has definitely served as an inspiration in deciding a suitable name for the dojo.

The building

The Ojirowashi dojo is constructed from double brick and has particularly high ceilings giving the dojo an air of "roominess" and the added clearance needed to swing bokkens and katanas.

The training area is 7 x 11 metres and is covered by specialised purpose-built training mats 50 mm thick. The building has ceiling fans as well as ducted air-conditioning for summer training. Entry to the dojo is via the two double doors on the south-eastern side of the building, access is via Meadows Avenue..

Car parking

There is off-street parking available at the rear of the dojo, access is via the double gates off Meadows Avenue.

Location

The dojo address is 47 The Crescent, Blair Athol, South Australia, more specifically it is on the corner of Meadows Avenue and The Crescent.

If you are intending to travel to the dojo using public transport, take the 182 Bus which goes from the centre of Adelaide city out to Prospect Road and get off the Bus at stop 18. This will place you within 100 metres of the dojo.

Go to the WhereIs.com website for a set of directions on how to get from your location to the Ojirowashi Dojo at 47 The Crescent, Blair Athol, SA 5084.