The Business Dojo

16/06/2025

A conversation with Quentin Cooke

09/07/2021

In this Burwell Online session we explored the qualities it takes to build a strong and vibrant dojo community, but you could well be talking about building a successful business. We we very grateful to do so, by looking at the story of Two Cranes Aikido in Seattle with the dojo leader Kimberly Richardson Sensei. Watch and you will understand how it's done.

In this Burwell Online session we explored the qualities it takes to build a strong and vibrant dojo community. We we very grateful to do so, by looking at ...

02/07/2021

This session explores the links between Aikido and Embodied Leadership with the wonderful Wendy Palmer, Sensei, founder of Leadership Embodiment.

This session explores the links between Aikido and Embodied Leadership with the wonderful Wendy Palmer

25/06/2021

This session was another wonderful example of how you can take aikido of the the mat. The session featured Charles Colten Sensei discussing his work with Aikido in Schools and beyond (business, the justice system, local government). It was a great discussion that showed how aikido can be enhanced by bringing in learning from outside of the art and how aikido helps develops character positively.

This session featured Charles Colten Sensei discussing his work with Aikido in Schools and beyond. A great discussion that showed how aikido can be enhanced ...

05/05/2021

The pandemic is awful, but most people recognise that it wasn't all bad. It provided an opportunity to reflect on what was important to us as individuals and many found a better balance.

It seems to me that as the business community has had the opportunity to reflect on the way we operate and one aspect that might be worth thinking about is how we are structured and for those in leadership roles to consider how they want to go forward.

This great piece written by a friend of mine, points the direction:

If you operate just from your title, you sacrifice real connection and dialogue, with all the possibilities that offers. And leadership without connection is a paltry thing.

19/02/2021

This week's Burwell online session provided a truly wonderful conversation with Richard Strozzi-Heckler Sensei, 7th dan, dojo cho of Two Rock Aikido, founder of the Strozzi Institute and author. So inspiring to see how aikido can make a difference in the world at large!

A wonderful conversation about aikido in all it's guises and the inspiration it has provided for Richard Strozzi-Heckler's work

22/01/2021

Last night's Burwell online session featured my brother Piers Cooke Sensei. He is the current chair of the British Aikido Board, long term dojo cho, has been a business owner and guided many other businesses since then. He is a trained LDI coach so was well qualified to explore the relationship between Aikido and leadership. Surprise, surprise, almost everything we do on the mat is linked to leadership skills.
Enjoy!

This Burwell online session features Piers Cooke, the current chair of the British Aikido Board, who has been a business owner, guided and managed many other...

20/01/2021

So last night was the first in a new series of classes that I am running, which are aimed at reminding you that you are your best teacher and focusing on centering, and movement with mindfulness. I don't mind admitting that I felt a bit nervous about how it would all work out, but I finished knowing that there was value in what I was offering. Thanks to all those who came along and thank you for the very encouraging feedback.
The sessions will happen every Tuesday at 19:30GMt and are open to all at no cost. Just pm me if you want access details.
Anyway, make your own mind up, here 's the recording:

An introduction to what these classes will focus on with various exercises