Meaning
The Japanese word Maru means circle.
The Chinese word Dào means the path or the way. More importantly ‘to leave from’ and ‘to arrive to’.
Growing
Starting at the bottom, as we learn and grow we progress up the circle. This represents an increase in knowledge and understanding of what we are trying to achieve.
As we continue to grow and strive to learn we develop more than one circle. One for family, training, work, relationships etc. However, no matter what we are focusing on, it is important to remain humble. We must return to the beginning of our circle and show gratitude to those that have guided and supported us.
As we continue to grow and strive to learn we develop more than one circle. One for family, training, work, relationships etc. However, no matter what we are focusing on, it is important to remain humble. We must return to the beginning of our circle and show gratitude to those that have guided and supported us.
Expanding
The gateway to growth starts at the very beginning. No matter where we are in life, from birth, or our first day of school, first job, first relationship or our first day of training, we start at the bottom where we know very little and must rely on the guidance and support of others to help build a solid foundation from which we can grow.
When creating your circle it is important that the top remain open allowing room for expansion and growth. If the top of the circle is closed, we stop learning. This leads to complacency and ego.
When creating your circle it is important that the top remain open allowing room for expansion and growth. If the top of the circle is closed, we stop learning. This leads to complacency and ego.
Returning
Most importantly is returning down the other side of the circle to the bottom where we began. We should never lose sight of where we came from and where we first started. Every day we must remind ourselves of our beginnings, our roots, our parents, and our family.
In the dojo, after every training, it is important that you return to the beginning of your circle and show not only appreciation for your teacher, but also appreciation of those training with you, appreciation for the person who dropped you off and takes you home. Always leave the dojo with a feeling of gratitude.
In the dojo, after every training, it is important that you return to the beginning of your circle and show not only appreciation for your teacher, but also appreciation of those training with you, appreciation for the person who dropped you off and takes you home. Always leave the dojo with a feeling of gratitude.