Was at a conference that took me to a city I'd never visited before. My sensei from the home dojo suggested, "Go ahead and pack your gi. Find a dojo while you're away from home. Keep practicing."

Those at the hotel reported that the dojo I wanted to visit was in a "tough neighborhood." Justin, the valet attendant called that part of town "El Barrio." And then hinted that is was a good thing I was, "studying karate." (I don't know how aikido bacame karate, but that's another story.)

I was welcomed at the dojo by a fellow who was playing a wooden flute in the back courtyard. He greeted me with a smile, hand shake, and a parking permit. Then a fellow named Greg showed me the dressing room, a waiver form, and the office so that I could pay a nominal mat fee. Folks arrived from all walks of life -- leather jackets, boots, tattoos ... pick-up trucks, BMWs, pedestrians -- all spending a Friday night practicing aikido.

The valet parking attendant had good intentions with his warning of visiting "El Barrio" but he truly underestimated the friendship & harmony of aikido.