Our dojo

Our dojo is called Go Ryu. The name refers to the meeting of the rivers Leie and Scheldt in Ghent, and also to working together, the meeting of currents within the dojo. Ryu roughly translates as style or school, a particular way of doing things. Since October 2013 our dojo has been located in the Neptunus sports hall in Wondelgem.

Every dojo has its own character, shaped by the teacher and the people who train there. This largely decides how comfortable you feel in a dojo.

In our dojo we train hard, but we also try to keep a good atmosphere on and off the mat, without losing serenity. Aikido discussions are for the 'après-aikido'.

We always try to train honestly, with respect for each other and with each other's safety in mind. We try to honour the old saying: "Leave your ego with your shoes: off the mats!". In this way we strive together for perfection, in a good atmosphere.

About Ban Sen Juku

Ban Sen Juku is an international cultural institute for traditional Japanese budo. Its basic aim is to pass on these aspects of Eastern culture to everyone who is interested.

The school was founded in 1988 by Tomita Seiji Shihan and has many dojos around the world. More information about the school and upcoming seminars is on the Ban Sen Juku website.

Tomita Seiji Sensei

Master Tomita Seiji had the privilege of learning aikido under the direct guidance of O'Sensei, the founder of aikido, in the dojo of Master Tanaka Bansen in Osaka.

He gained further insight from Master Tohei Koichi (leader of the Ki Society) and Master Saito Morihiro (Iwama Takemusu Aikido), and so reached the essence of budo.

By way of the Silk Road, Master Tomita came to our capital, where he founded the Ban Sen Juku school.

To this day, Tomita Sensei still teaches in Brussels.