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**BluewayAllere** · 08-09-2006, 04:25 AM

I guarantee that what we do at Boston Samurai Arts is a far cry from what is considered McDojo regardless of having the word "Samurai" in our dojo name. ]

Regards,
Walter

Hi Walter,

Please re-read my post, that was the whole point. I do not question that you are the real deal. My comment was only on the use of "samurai" in your new name - period.

All I am saying is that since you are not a mcdojo it might make sense to distance yourself from a name that would group you with those who are. IMHO by using the word "samurai" in your name you will unfortunately attract the lightsaber crowd and bring up a red flag to those who would make great new students.

Can you use it anyway, of course. It will just make running your dojo a little bit harder.

A similar problem exists for serious swordsmiths who have to find a work around in order not to use the word "katana" as the principal descriptor of their swords. If they use the word at all it will hopefully be embeded in a fairly technical text about the sword and not in the tittle or first word in the first sentence.

Do an ebay search for "katana", and see what pops up. Trash!
Now do one on "Japanese sword". Much less trash! You might even find a descent blade or two.

The wallhanger stampers corrupted the word "katana" to such an extent that it has become a red flag. For example an ad that reads "Razor sharp katana for sale" will only attract the futur stars of jakass movies who are looking for a $99 sword to swing around their backyard.

The word "samurai" has a simmilar issue. It has unfortunately, been co-opted by the Mcdojo crowd and has become a red flag. IMHO, using Samurai in your name will be a pain that you can avoid.

You just changed your name and are creating the dojo. It might make sense to revisit the name again before it is well established.

That said, I did use the corporate name Contours for over 10 years and dealt with the calls of the strippers looking for work before getting fed up and changing the name

.

Whatever you decide, I am sure you will build a great dojo.

Best regards,

08-09-2006, 04:25 AM	#12
BluewayAllere Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 497 Senior Member	I guarantee that what we do at Boston Samurai Arts is a far cry from what is considered McDojo regardless of having the word "Samurai" in our dojo name. ] Regards, Walter Hi Walter, Please re-read my post, that was the whole point. I do not question that you are the real deal. My comment was only on the use of "samurai" in your new name - period. All I am saying is that since you are not a mcdojo it might make sense to distance yourself from a name that would group you with those who are. IMHO by using the word "samurai" in your name you will unfortunately attract the lightsaber crowd and bring up a red flag to those who would make great new students. Can you use it anyway, of course. It will just make running your dojo a little bit harder. A similar problem exists for serious swordsmiths who have to find a work around in order not to use the word "katana" as the principal descriptor of their swords. If they use the word at all it will hopefully be embeded in a fairly technical text about the sword and not in the tittle or first word in the first sentence. Do an ebay search for "katana", and see what pops up. Trash! Now do one on "Japanese sword". Much less trash! You might even find a descent blade or two. The wallhanger stampers corrupted the word "katana" to such an extent that it has become a red flag. For example an ad that reads "Razor sharp katana for sale" will only attract the futur stars of jakass movies who are looking for a $99 sword to swing around their backyard. The word "samurai" has a simmilar issue. It has unfortunately, been co-opted by the Mcdojo crowd and has become a red flag. IMHO, using Samurai in your name will be a pain that you can avoid. You just changed your name and are creating the dojo. It might make sense to revisit the name again before it is well established. That said, I did use the corporate name Contours for over 10 years and dealt with the calls of the strippers looking for work before getting fed up and changing the name . Whatever you decide, I am sure you will build a great dojo. Best regards,
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