Our Vision for World Wide Dojo and USAdojo
There have been a number of martial arts magazines, publications and ezines that have cropped up over the years. Some have been more successful than others. Each has their own agenda and serve various purposes. That is as should be. Each publication has its own vision and direction. Likewise Worldwide Dojo and USA Dojo.
As martial arts publications we try to promote a positive image of the martial arts and shy away from anything that would promote a negative image of the arts. Our goal is growth in the arts and unity and harmony amongst its masters, instructors, practitioners and its various representatives.
We are like soldiers marching together in formation. We are no faster than our slowest member. We will all arrive together if we are to arrive at all. Above all there should be integrity and brotherhood in the arts. With that growth and success is promoted throughout the martial arts. Not just within one faction or organization.
As a community we are judged by the best and worse of us. Unfortunately some people are drawn to tragedy. They are the ones who stand around watching a suicide victim perched on a ledge or watch the bloody corpse being cut out of a vehicle. These aren’t the individuals we want to cater to. As a publication we want to take the higher ground. Controversy, criticism, infighting and martial arts politics don’t promote the growth of the arts. We are not and refuse to be a martial arts tabloid.
As journalists we are held responsible for what we report. It is true that controversy and tragedy attracts a large audience but we are particular to who we cater to. It is our attempt to take the higher ground. A journalist has to report what is happening in the arts without personal input or personal opinion. It requires an objective point of view that doesn’t color what is happening with the journalist;’s point of view.
It is not our purpose to take sides between warring factions or political stances and opinions. Organizations as well as individuals have their own philosophies and points of view. They are entitled to such. This is America and we believe in personal freedom as long as it doesn’t violate the rights and well being of others. The martial arts aren’t just about combat. They are supposed to promote personal growth and self discovery in the practitioner. As martial artists we are held to a higher standard. Our greatest opponent is always ourselves. As individuals and organizations we are and should be examples for those we serve and have contact with. Any street thug can teach someone how to fight. There are fighting systems that have been developed in the prisons of our nation that are quite effective. Our purpose should be to teach people how to live. This is the stance that Worldwide Dojo takes and the philosophy that we promote.
There will always be controversy in the arts as well as in any other area of life but we leave the emphasis on such negative aspects of the arts to other publications. That is not the format that we choose. Such controversy and negativity does nothing for the growth of the arts.
We do try to offer a voice and a space for those who want to present a point of view, right a perceived wrong or address a disagreement or argument but as a disclaimer we want it understood that these are not our opinions . We merely often a forum for individuals to voice their opinions. We take no sides between the arguments of individuals or organization. We try to take a neutral stance in such instances. Unless there is a crime involved or a great injustice we will remain silent on these issues.
We will continue to try to encourage harmony, peace and brotherhood in the martial arts. If we are to grow as a community we have to present a united front. Public airing of dirty laundry doesn’t help anyone and hurts us all. Let’s agree where we can and learn to disagree where we can’t. As adults and good human beings as well as sensei, practitioners and martial arts masters we should be able to accomplish this. It does no one any good if we are constantly trying to tear each other to pieces. We are better than that. An instructor or martial arts master teaches by precept and example. Our individual arts are the precepts but we must be the example. Worldwide Dojo and USA Dojo will continue to aspire to be such an example.
It is not our desire to hurt or offend anyone but as journalists we only report what is happening in the martial arts community. We will continue to do so without resorting to politics, personal opinion or controversy. Our position is always to promote the martial arts, unity in the martial arts community and its continuing growth. It is our desire to be a positive influence in the martial arts community and always govern ourselves by Christian values.
God bless you my beloved brethren. Train hard and go with God.
Rev. Donald Miskel
