KAKEMONO OF THE MONTH — MAY 2022

Or probably more like a-month-and-a-half. Maybe two months. Almost certainly longer. This antique scroll, an original work by an artist we’ve not yet identified, was presented to the dojo very recently by Jevin Orcutt, in commemoration of what he called “the rebirth of the dojo.” Now, you might assume he’s referring to training picking up again after the pandemic-related events of the past two years. But that’s not it. Although virtually nothing about the dojo is the same as it was at the end of 2019, it’s for reasons having nothing whatsoever to do with the pandemic. For us, the past two years have been more like a gestation period from which we emerged with new arts, new affiliations, new instructors, new friends, new members, and a greatly enhanced sense of purpose.

Later this year the dojo will enter its fourth decade of existence, focused on providing the central Pennsylvania area access to the finest training available in classical Japanese martial arts. We’re honored and excited by the opportunities that have been presented to us, and deeply grateful to all those that support our dojo.

Jevin’s gift to the dojo is a gorgeous, tangible, and visible reminder of all that’s been accomplished so far, all that’s still to be done, and all we have to be thankful for. That’s why this kakemono might end up residing in the tokonoma (alcove) for a very long time. #ittendojo #aikijutsu #iaido #kenjutsu