hospitality

[autrelle]

what is an appropriate gift to present someone when visiting their dojo? a very nice gentleman recently opened a new Aikido dojo here where i live and when i go to visit him i want to present the dojo with a gift as a token of friendship. any suggestions?

truly

[Chad Bruttomesso]

Autrelle,

While living in Japan I saw all types of gifts presented. Overall the most prevalent seem to be sake, money or something specific to the occasion. For most dojo openings, Kagamibiraki, etc. sake is the gift of choice (one of the nice $30 bottles, not the $5 bottle which is all I was able to afford at the time). Another idea is something that is useful for the dojo. This second idea is mine and possibly breaking with tradition. I have always felt that sake is gone quickly yet something that is useful for the dojo will benefit even those that don't drink.

Just my thoughts. Good luck.

[Neil Yamamoto]

Lots of Japanese art, crafts, etc. Go to: http://www.japonaji.com

Calligraphy is nice, find a nice saying from Uyeshiba O-Sensei and have it done. Go to: http://www.takase.com

Nice selection but not cheap with lots of Japanese and other asian cultural art. Go to: http://www.united-art-world.com

My favorite gifts for a dojo are pretty simple. Get a nice Japanese style bowl, fill with some sand, and some incense. Alternatively, a nice flower arrangement makes a nice addition to the tokonoma or shinza as well. Or a garden shop for an indoor bonsai. All tasteful gifts for the dojo.