IN HONOUR OF THE INDIGENOUS AMERICAN INDIANS

There is a parable in Cherokee Indian folklore around two wolves, which it uses to symbolise the competing forces in us – the ‘good’ side and the ‘bad’ side
(or the ‘White Wolf’ and the ‘Black Wolf’). The crux of the parable is that the wolf that wins out in this internal battle is the wolf we choose to ‘feed’.

I can’t remember when I first became aware of this parable, but I really connected with it. There are many ways in which we can seek to feed our ‘White Wolf’, and I believe that Martial Arts training can help us in this endeavour. For me, Martial Arts training has been a framework for self-discovery; it has helped me gain greater self-awareness and self-control in all aspects of my life.

So, when I was establishing our Dojo, the parable came to mind and ‘White Wolf Dojo’ was born.

When we are overcome with rage, anger, jealously, selfishness – we are feeding the ‘bad’ wolf. When we can elevate ourselves above these instincts, focus on
self-improvement and act from a place of love and kindness, we are very much in tune with our ‘good’ wolf.

Training in Martial Arts, with like-minded people, helps us focus on feeding our ‘good’ wolf. Each student is striving to improve in their fitness, their technique, their skills and their understanding. However, to really get the most out of their training, students must also give time and efforts to helping their training partners. So, there is an amazing balance; an inward and outward focus on discovery and improvement.

A final word on our name;

The words ‘White’ and ‘Black’ have, at times, been used in ways which create a negative meaning. This is not the intent behind the name of our Dojo.
At White Wolf Dojo, we celebrate the diversity of our students and our focus is to help them be the best they can be through Martial Arts.