Founding a Dojovol 1.

What exactly is needed – concretely speaking, let's forget money, paperwork, abandoning family life and other obvious things – to create neat, comfortable and functional training spaces in an old industrial building?

The Vision

First, you need a vision: What kind of dojo would I want to train at (well, for someone who's really hooked, a training partner and any space with a marginally padded floor and heating is all a plus)?

A spacious tatami, sufficient ceiling height for weapon techniques. Bright, clean, accessible. A space where you can sit and chat after training, maybe with a coffee maker – or what if there was a café nearby where you could grab a cup of coffee or a cold drink? Sounds pretty good 🙂

Back to Cold Realism

First we had to find a space – good enough location, costs within acceptable limits, space adaptable to our needs. We found a property in Hervanta that fits the specs, so let's start planning the renovation.

A bare warehouse hall is actually quite ideal for starting a dojo: The space is clear, ceiling height is at least sufficient, and the premises are at street level, enabling barrier-free access for those using mobility aids.

Renovation Requirements

But the journey from dusty warehouse hall to bright dojo is quite long. It requires, among other things:

• Betolux primer 38 liters
• Betolux 35 liters
• Wall primer about 30 liters
• Latex paint 85 liters
• Work hours about 160, or over 4 full work weeks

Now we just need to fit those work hours into the calendar alongside training, aikido camps, possible personal life – and paid work, and this will turn out great!

-Sarita