Deminique Viljeon-Doyle believes she was born for iaido
Local dojo member loves sharing her love for martial arts with people, answering questions and sharing the impact it has and continues to make in her life.
Deminique Viljeon-Doyle has always loved martial arts since she was a child and has always had great admiration for Budo (a form of Japanese physical culture that has its origins in the ancient tradition – way of the warrior developing its technical martial skills), and how it guides one to live their life.
Now she is a RKC Dojo Iaido member who is dedicated and loves what she does. Viljeon-Doyle is also an assistant instructor, yoga instructor, nature conservationist and recent mother.
“I started with kendo at the RKC Dojo and from the first class I was hooked. However, due to some health reasons, I could not continue kendo and when iaido was brought into the dojo, it felt like I found the martial art I was born for.”
She elaborated that she loves the idea of never-ending learning, with no end game to it.
“I love each strand of symbolism in the art and how it challenges me on more than a physical level, arguably even more mentally than any other. I also have very dear friends in the dojo and having been able to grow together is one of the most motivational reasons to keep going.”
Viljeon-Doyle pointed out that the woman she was when she started versus the woman she is now, could not be more different.
“Since I started my martial arts journey, I started to catch when my inner critic is getting the best of me, like when l am harsh on myself and allowing myself mistakes as part of learning.”
She emphasised that she has found a new sense of trust in her body and voice that other practices she does do not match.
“My health in general has increased, and my outlook on goals, discipline and learning are always growing.”
Viljeon-Doyle explained how she has made some of the most treasured friends, people who are from many walks of life that she may not have had the privilege of meeting outside the dojo.
“After hours, months and years of training, seeing improvement in myself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually has been such a drive.”
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