The word ‘community’ is a great marketing buzzword, because we’re in the midst of a loneliness epidemic, and when I first heard about the community at Musubi Dojo (before I got into a serious relationship with Kiley) I thought to myself, ‘yeah whatever, they all say that’.
Now, take what I say with a grain of salt, as I run Musubi Dojo together with Kiley, so there is a conflict of interest. But I am absolutely amazed at how warm our place is, and you have to experience this for yourself to truly get an idea. In fact, I am writing this article, and slaving away for the dojo because I’ve seen what our community can provide to families and/or individuals.
So, Why IS Our Community So Special?
You might be wondering what makes the Musubi Dojo community stand out. For starters, having Sensei Kiley leading the pack immediately instils a sense of trust and belonging. Kiley is not only an incredibly accomplished Martial Artist (a Three-time Victorian Kyokushin Full Contact Champion and Two-time World Ring Karate Australia (WRKA) Champion, among other achievements); she has also shown incredible resilience, having raised three kids largely by herself while running a full-time business, without a close family network to rely on.
Beyond her martial arts prowess, I believe the world needs more powerful female role models who lead through their actions, not just words – and Kiley is exactly that. She's a fantastic example for all our students. I'm blown away by what girls at our dojo like Caitlyn, Macy, Ellyn, Georgia, and other girls can do. Also, seeing how many teenage girls brave the mats puts a smile on my face. To me, this speaks volumes about the empowering and safe environment Kiley has cultivated.
Martial Arts is already a great way to instil a sense of community, because of the physical touch and intense emotions you go through as a group, but Musubi Dojo takes it a step further. We’ve run several Martial Arts camps and awards nights through the years – fantastic events to see a different side of the people in our community.
And to truly bring my point across, the amount of volunteers freely giving us their time, to me, is absolutely mind-boggling. For instance, Nathan and Nick help us with the handiwork. Mark, Yu-Jing, Alan, Scott, Jonathan, Ziggy, among others, assist or even coach classes for free. Members give us a hand during clean-up days. Veronica mans the desk and helps with events — we would not be able to run Musubi Dojo without all the help we're getting on a regular basis.
What "Community" Truly Means to Us at Musubi Dojo
For us here in Research, "community" isn't just a nice word to use – it's the foundation of our dojo. At Musubi Dojo, our community spirit is built on:
- Unwavering Support: We're a team. We cheer for each other's triumphs, offer a helping hand through challenges, and celebrate every single milestone, no matter how big or small. And yes, we go beyond the 'hey, how you going, mate?'.
- Mutual Respect: Every individual is valued. We foster an environment where everyone feels safe, heard, and respected. Color of skin, financial status, and gender are arbitrary to us — you gain respect through action (grading, supporting, and consistency).
- Lasting Friendships: The bonds forged through shared effort, sweat, and common goals often extend far beyond our training sessions, turning into genuine, lifelong friendships.
- Shared Growth: We are all on a journey of learning and self-improvement, not just as martial artists, but as individuals contributing to a positive and encouraging atmosphere.
- True Inclusivity: We stand firmly by our principle that martial arts is for everyone. Musubi Dojo proudly welcomes people from all walks of life to find their place with us.
- Professional Opportunities: Because everyone is equal on the mats, you get to see the real person, and without even trying, you will often get business opportunities. And, you get access to a professional network.
In my opinion, operating through a community is the ONLY way forward, as kids need to feel safe in order to grow, and we as humans are designed to be a part of a tribe. The beauty of our place, from what I've seen, is that we're not striving to be a community. We strive to be better people, through Martial Arts and other means, and from this springs this safe and supportive environment.
Bringing Our Community Together: Spotlight on Musubi Dojo Events
While our daily classes naturally foster connection, we believe in creating dedicated moments to celebrate, bond, and grow together. At Musubi Dojo, we host a variety of events throughout the year designed to strengthen our community, acknowledge achievements, and create those unforgettable memories.
Awards Nights: Celebrating Milestones and Dedication
One of the most anticipated events on our calendar is the Musubi Dojo Awards Night. These evenings are far more than just a formality; they are a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and spirit within our dojo. It's a chance for us to publicly recognize and applaud:
- Belt Promotions: Celebrating the dedication and learning required to advance in rank.
- Effort & Improvement: Celebrating personal growth and perseverance at every level.
- Sportsmanship & Dojo Spirit: Highlighting members who truly embody our core values of respect, discipline, and unwavering support for others.
- Assistance & Support: Putting all the members who truly took supporting us to the next level in the spotlight.
The atmosphere is always electric. It’s a powerful reminder that every individual's achievement is a shared victory for the entire Musubi Dojo community.
Martial Arts Camps: Deepening Skills and Building Unbreakable Bonds
For a truly immersive and often transformative experience, our Martial Arts Camps are a highlight for many. These camps offer a unique blend of focused training and community building, providing opportunities for:
- Intensive Training Sessions: Dedicated time to dive deep into techniques, explore new aspects of your art, and sometimes learn from special guest instructors or senior members — it's also the opportunity to try a new Martial Art.
- Team-Building Activities: Fun, engaging, and sometimes challenging activities designed to foster teamwork, communication, and camaraderie outside the usual class structure.
- Creating Lasting Memories: From shared meals and hard training to social events (like the Sayonara party), camps are the perfect opportunity to really feel the community spirit.
The benefits extend far beyond just technical improvement. Our camps are where friendships are solidified, confidence soars, and the spirit of the dojo truly shines. The vibe in our dojo is noticeably different after camp.
...And All the Moments In Between!
Our community spirit isn't just reserved for these flagship events. We believe in fostering connection through many avenues, including regular social gatherings like dojo BBQs, end-of-year celebrations, supporting local events in Research and Eltham, and hosting special workshops. These varied interactions, big and small, ensure that the feeling of belonging is a constant and cherished part of the Musubi Dojo experience.
The Ripple Effect: How Our Community Strengthens Our Martial Arts (and Vice Versa)
There's a powerful synergy between a strong, supportive community and effective martial arts training. A thriving community provides reliable training partners, essential for growth and consistent practice. It offers encouragement during challenging times, helping you push through plateaus and stay committed to your goals. Furthermore, shared learning, diverse perspectives, and collective experiences enrich everyone's understanding and appreciation of the arts we practice.
Conversely, the shared journey of martial arts itself – with its inherent discipline, mutual respect, and the process of overcoming personal challenges – naturally forges deep and meaningful bonds between people. It's a shared path that builds character and camaraderie simultaneously.
So What’s Next? Give our second family a shot, for free
At Musubi Dojo in Research, Victoria, we offer the full spectrum of Martial Arts training: Kyokushin Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Muay Thai, and our specialized kids', teens', and women-only programs.
If you're looking for more than just a gym or a place to learn techniques – if you're searching for a place where you can learn, grow, get fit, and truly belong – then we invite you to discover the Musubi Dojo difference. Experience firsthand how our community can enrich your martial arts journey and your life.