Late one night, a night just like any other, we all gathered in our little dojo to practice our art of Taekwando and to train our bodies. Come the end of class Coach asked a request of us. We sat together on the dojo floor in a large circle of friends, countrymen, brothers, sisters, teachers, students, and comrades. There, he brought out a cake and announced the 25th anniversary of the dojo. It’s not hard to imagine the scene that followed as one by one each of us spoke a few simple words about what our dojo and coach mean to us. Language was no barrier. Sentiments were expressed in both Chinese and English, while those who could offered translation. With or without translation the sentiment was transparent to all as a similar utterance was echoed throughout the room; “This is my home in Taipei, and my second Family.” Truer words were never spoken.
I had begun my training in Taekwondo back in America and wanted to continue here in Taiwan. In finding WuJien dojo I intended to do just that. Shortly after entering this dojo it became apparent that what I was gaining here reached far beyond the boundaries of what martial arts training has to offer. Some seek out martial arts as a way to train the body and attain a heightened level of physical fitness. Others are attracted to the mental discipline that is developed through this type of training. I came for both reasons. I certainly found what I was looking for, and so much more.
My Feelings and Experience
Having trained in everything from dance, to music, to martial arts, I’ve had the honor of studying with coaches and teachers from around the world and performing with some of the most talented people one is likely to meet. The organizations I’ve been involved in have been extraordinary experiences, but never in all my years, disciplines, and experiences, have I found what exists here. The training we receive reaches far beyond physical parameters. The intensity of coach Albert Wang can be intimidating at times as he engages to train both your body and mind. His Taekwondo expertise is superb, and yet, indistinguishable from the compassion he has for every one of his students. This compassion is engendered into every member. Laughter is never in short supply, nor is a friendly word of encouragement or advice. Leading by example, this issuance of respect and commitment to each other are qualities that are well developed and embedded in each member of this dojo.
A dojo is a place established for the training and practice of martial arts. Come to classes and you will learn just that, but what WuJien dojo is, reaches far beyond the hand and foot movements you learn in Taekwondo. Come early and you will see members helping with the children class or doing muscle training on equipment in the back room. Stay late and you’ll see us sitting together on the dojo floor doing some post workout stretches while engaging in conversation, language exchanges, laughter, comfort and encouragement. Others will be practicing some new skills or honing old ones. In the office a hand full of students will be talking with coach, while in another room a couple of girls talk about cross cultural experiences from Japan, America, Taiwan, and Europe. But, wherever you look, there is a friendly face and someone who is happy to include you in conversation, answer a question, or help you with your training.
The impact of experiences here speaks for themselves as you see the adversities members overcome to be here. Sometimes you see a student overcoming a physical limitation due to injury (often acquired outside the dojo) and achieving things doctors told them they would never be able to do. Others travel from towns and cities across Taiwan just to make it in for a Saturday class from time to time. And, as is typical with life in Taiwan, the burden of work and school is a heavy one that often leaves little free time in ones schedule. But still, our members work hard to make it into the dojo as often as possible, even if that means running to the catch the bus just to get across town for the last fifteen minutes of class.
At the end of a long day, and weeks without a break from work, most people would choose the option of going home and enjoying a warm meal and a comfortable bed. I guess that’s what makes us different. Sometimes, even on the nights when you know you’ve come to late for class you come anyway. Perhaps you’ve come to work out some frustrations on the mats, or to seek comfort and a friendly word. But at the end of the long Taipei days, this is the safe place we come to and the home we’ve found in this city and on this island.
Personally, WuJien dojo has been the greatest part of my experience here in Taiwan. This organization, coach Wang, and the friends I’ve made here have been my corner stone and the pillars to which give me strength every day. I came to learn Taekwondo, and I’ve been progressing successfully in that endeavor, but what I gained in coming to WuJien Dojo is a second family and home half way around the world.
Christine
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