WHAT IS A DOJO

 

I was asked by one of the students to write an article on “What is a Dojo ?”.  I want to take this opportunity for any of you to suggest a topic you would like to have more information on.

 

So, what is a dojo?  The word “dojo” was first used in kenjutsu (swordsmanship), probably in the 12th century,  originating from the Buddhist term “a place of Enlightenment”.

 

The word dojo can be translated as “way-place” – the place to practice your way. Our way is Karate-do: the way of the empty hand.  A dojo is not just a building or a studio, or a gymnasium, these places are mainly for physical training. Much more is involved in a traditional dojo. It is the respect you must have for the place in which you practice (learn “the way”).  Within the dojo the training is hard and must be so, with a push for discipline so you can reach the ultimate goal: to master oneself.

 

While the dojo is rather bare in appearance it shows a definite Zen influence, beauty is achieved not with things, but the absence of things.  The dojo is not a church, but to some it may seen to be like one. With only a few items in the dojo,  Makiwara (punching post), heavy bag, a mirror, and the Kamiza (the Shinto shrine up in the front of the dojo).  The kamiza will house the spirits of the area, and of the art that will be practiced in its presence.  I went with Sensei Katayama to a temple on one of my trips to Japan to get this shrine, and a letter (blessing) to put inside the shrine to help us in the dojo.

 

While a typical commercial karate school makes room for visitors and onlookers, a dojo does not. When we do get people who want to check out our dojo, I have them come ready to workout with us.  True karate is a discipline for people who are doers. While the commercial schools need to have room for parents and spectators so they can make money, the traditional dojo  just doesn’t need the distractions. We are there to train.

In most traditional dojos, there is a picture of the founders. As a sigh of respect, students bow on entering and leaving the dojo.  I remember being with Master Takazawa one time and we were going to do a demo at a school cafeteria and he bowed as he entered it.   No matter how large and fancy, or how small and plain, if your spirit is not there, it is just a place. So, if you practice with spirit, respect, sincerity, and dedication-that is your Dojo.

so see you in the dojo