Running a online dojo during social distancing is challenging, but the concept of an online dojo has existed for some time. This innovative approach to martial arts training allows practitioners to continue their journey even when in-person classes are not an option.

Distance learning dates back to the 1800s, when teachers communicated with students through letters to teach concepts. However, computer based learning did not emerge until the 1960s after its invention in the 1946. By the 1980s, the internet and home computers facilitated interactive learning, and by 2000, broadband connected people globally. In the past decade, the rise of social media platforms like YouTube has made online learning the new norm.

Today, all of the major education institutes have embraced online dojo learning. This landscape is still evolving, and traditional schools, colleges, and universities may downsize or close in some cases. The emergence of home working and online tutorials has been a massive game changer. Automated machine learning and AI technologies will likely enhance this space in the next 5 to 10 years. To surmise, online learning has arrived and it is here to stay!

How can instructors teach martial arts through a computer? I know… I have been asking this question for many years with cynicism and doubt. Until I had no choice but to run my first class using the best online learning platform I could find. Martial arts has taught me that if you commit to something in life, you must go all the way!

Yes, there are plenty of platforms out there that can enable you to do online learning for FREE. Many view online learning as just a Skype, WhatsApp, or Zoom call with multiple participants, but this only scratches the surface of its true potential. Running live interactive video calls is only one aspect of online learning.

Four Fundamental Dimensions of Learning in a Dojo

When building your online Dojo, focus on the new possibilities rather than the constraints. When I launched the ZenKarate Online Magazine forum in the ’90s, I was amazed by how martial artists around the world responded overwhelmingly. This taught me that an online presence fosters communication among like-minded individuals, allowing collaboration and interaction anytime and anywhere. This medium helped establish a 1000+ readership globally long before the emergence or idea of social media.

How do you construct an online learning platform for a Dojo? The first thing to consider is how do you normally teach on a weekly basis? What is the basic outline or framework of your class? In most Dojos there are four fundamental dimensions of learning;

Don’t over complicate your Team. Remember to create channels that are relevant to your Dojo or areas of training that you are focusing on. Make use of Applications within Teams for e.g. you can add a Planner application into your team channel that allows you track study tasks for students.

online-dojo

Conclusion

In conclusion, online dojo learning for Martial Arts study is possible as it empowers students to self discipline themselves and take control over their training syllabus. One of the key problems with Dojo training is that students become use to being led by their teacher and learning can become autonomous without reflection. Online dojo learning challenges the student to enquire and research for themselves and yet be steered and directed when needed.

I will always remain a traditionalist and believe that true Martial Art transmission can only happen between teacher and student in person. However, we live in an era that is forever changing and Martial Arts is a subject that has yielded to its practitioner’s many times over the centuries!