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"Study the teachings of the pine tree, the bamboo,
and the plum blossom. The pine is evergreen, firmly rooted, and venerable.
The bamboo is strong, resilient, unbreakable. The plum blossom is hardy
fragrant, and elegant" -Morihei Ueshiba
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WHAT ARE WE?
Nestled in the heart of the Kootenay Mountains, the White Pines dojo was
created with the vision of training one's body, mind and spirit in the
universal principles of harmony. It is a space to study Aikido as well
as other spiritual disciplines. Weekly classes and special weekend intensives
in Aikido are now hosted in the dojo.
Roland Werner, the builder of the White Pines Dojo, is a long-time student
of Aikido who had a dream of creating a space where people can come and
research their path. Aikido means 'the way' or 'path of harmony'. It is
a Japanese martial art that trains us how not to react to aggression with
force, rather to remain relaxed and centered. It is a study of how to
ground and expand one's Ki, or universal energy.
Our spiritual training is not limited to the walls of the dojo. We have
the opportunity to study nature and practice the art of harmony through
stewarding the forty acres of surrounding land. We envision a self-supporting,
sustainable, energy efficient, ecological system that allows the vitality
of the environment to sustain the students. We are establishing a system
of permaculture including forest and creek restoration, and organic gardening.
Students can practice mindfulness while working in the flower and vegetable
gardens, in the orchards, in the greenhouse, and with the medicinal plants
of the forest and meadow.
OUR FOUNDATIONS IN AIKIDO
Aikido has flourished in the Kootenays under the instruction of Jean-Rene
Leduc sensei, fifth dan. He established Kootenay Aikido Kenkyukai in 1992
with two dojos one in the small town of Nelson and another on his property
near Mirror Lake (the dojos are 60 km and 90 km respectively from White
Pines dojo).
Jean-Rene sensei studied in Japan under Yoshinobu Takeda Shihan. Takeda
Shihan was a student of the late Yamaguchi Seigo Shihan who was a direct
student of the founder of Aikido, Ueshiba Morihei O Sensei. The dojos
which operate under the auspices of Takeda Shihan are part of an organization
called Aikido Kenkyukai International. Kenkyukai literally means to research
the meaning and lessons of Aikido.
THE DOJO BUILDING
The Dojo building is post and beam straw-bale construction measuring
40 ft. by 60 ft. (2400 square ft.) resting on an 8ft cement foundation.
Most of the massive beams were salvaged wood milled on sight. The building
is oriented north/south. The dojo portion of the building is in the north
end and is the size of 72 tatamis (1431 square ft). The large span over
the dojo is supported by two structural girders which support a portion
of the upstairs floor and roof. The main entrance faces south. The second
floor is accessed by a spiral staircase leading to the kitchen and dining
room, brightly lit by 160 square feet of south-facing glass. A hallway
runs down the spine of the building and leads to 6 dormer bedrooms each
large enough to sleep four or more people.
THE LAND
The building is nested on forty acres of gently sloping land of young
forests and extensive wild flower meadow. There is full sun exposure and
360 degrees of breathtaking vistas, including the Valhalla Mountain range.
A year-round creek flows along the northern border of the property. There
are running trails with fitness stations under construction and cross-country
skiing during the winter months.
THE AREA
The White Pines Dojo rests on a bench on the southwest-facing slope in
the Kootenay Mountains. The bench is located just above the mouth of the
Slocan River where it flows from the Slocan Lake. The lake is fed by many
glacial streams which run down the Valhalla mountain range. There are
abundant opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, mountain
biking, hiking, rock climbing, down hill and cross-country skiing.
The community of the Slocan Valley harbors a wealth of knowledge and activity
in mind-body-spirit training, edible and medicinal plants, wilderness
experience, alternative construction, and alternative sources of energy.
WHO ARE WE
With the support of family, Aikido Kenkyukai International and members
of the community, Roland and Marcia Werner began building the White Pines
Dojo in 2002. Roland began Aikido in 1992 in Nelson, BC under the instruction
of Jean-Rene Leduc sensei. Marcia began Aikido in 1998. Roland and Marcia
live with Roland's daughter Joscelyn and their daughter Lily in Slocan,
BC.
WHERE TO GO
The White Pines dojo is located on 8835 Martens Road, Slocan, BC.. Take
Hwy 6 north of the Hwy 3 junction towards Nakusp. Martens Rd is located
just off Hwy 6 on the eastern side of the road, 1km south of the Slocan
city turnoff.
8835 Martens Rd.
Mailing address:
Box 304
Slocan, BC
V0G 2C0
Canada
250.355.0009
map
To find out more about upcoming events and accomodations, visit our
CALENDAR and ACCOMMODATION
pages. For further information contact shiromatsu@whitepinesdojo.com
Some friends to visit...
Jean-Rene Leduc sensei
Aikido of Santa Barbara
AKI Sydney,
Australia
Aikido
Kenkyukai International
Kootenay Aikido Kenkyukai
Yoshinobu
Takeda Shihan
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