The story of our first dojo- The Beginning

In 2016 I wrote to  Parichiti, a non-government organization who primarily work with the labour rights of domestic workers and the marginalized women and men in and around Kolkata. I had asked for at least two willing students and a space for practice once or twice a week.

https://www.parichiti.org.in/

I heard from them almost a year after. They asked me if I was still interested and that they had a space and a few willing learners. I jumped at the first word. A few days later I went to meet a representative of this organization at the venue chosen for the classes. I had not really expected what I saw. I have worked in many rural areas as well as underdeveloped parts of cities I have lived in but this area was a little more disheartening. I choose not to disclose the details of this location but leave it to your courage to come visit us someday.

The lady who met me asked me only one question: "Why are you doing this?" I realized people were confused about my intentions and surprised at my eagerness to teach here without any promise of remuneration. 

I started with five young girls, shy and unsure of what I was going to teach. We had no tatami, neither any idea about how to procure some. After six months I  put out an appeal on various social media networks for donating do-gi and  money to buy tatami. Our well-wishers raised the required amount in 10 days. 

That set the ball rolling. Today we have two dojos and the number of learners fluctuating between 20-25. Only five of our students are able to pay us a monthly fee. We are always short of money but never short of motivation and energy. 

There are many stories to be told. I shall share them from time to time. 

First ukemi on new tatami