A dojo (道場, dōjō^?) is a Japanese term which literally means "place of the Way". Initially, Dojo were adjunct to temples. The term can refer to a formal training place for any of the Japanese do arts but typically it is considered the formal gathering place for students of a martial arts style to conduct training, examinations and other related encounters. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (3264 × 2448 pixel, file size: 2. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (3264 × 2448 pixel, file size: 2. ... Hawaiian State Grappling Championships. ...

The concept of a dojo as a martial arts training place is a Western concept; in Japan, any physical training facility, including professional wrestling schools may be called dojos as well depending on the context. A compass rose with west highlighted This article refers to the cardinal direction; for other uses see West (disambiguation). ... A professional wrestling school is a school or gym that teaches students the necessary skills to become pro wrestlers. ...

Martial arts dōjō

A proper Japanese martial arts dōjō is considered special and is well cared for by its users. In many styles it is traditional to conduct a ritual cleaning of the dōjō at the end of each training session (called souji, which translates from Japanese as "cleaning"). Besides the obvious hygienic benefits of regular cleaning it also serves to reinforce the fact that dojo are supposed to be supported and managed by the student body, not the school's instructional staff. This attitude has become lost in many modern, commercial dōjō that are founded and run by a small group of people or instructors. In fact, it is not uncommon that in traditional schools (koryu), dōjō are rarely used for training at all, instead being reserved for more symbolic or formal occasions. The actual training is conducted typically outdoors or in a less formal area. Japanese martial arts refers to the enormous variety of martial arts native to Japan. ... Koryu (古流 koryÅ«) is a Japanese word that translates literally as old school or old tradition. It refers to schools of martial arts that predate the Meiji Restoration, a political event that precipitated Japans modernization. ...

Many traditional dōjō follow a prescribed pattern with shomen and various entrances that are used based on student and instructor rank laid out precisely. Typically students will enter in the lower-left corner of the dōjō (in reference to the shomen) with instructors in the upper right corner. Shomen typically contains kamidana—an area for a Shintō shrine and other artifacts. The term kamiza is frequently confused by martial arts practitioners with the Kamidana. Many other artifacts may be displayed throughout the dōjō, such as kanban that authorize the school in a style or strategy, and items such as taiko drums or armor (yoroi). It is not uncommon to find the name of the dōjō and the dōjō kun (roughly "dōjō rules") displayed prominently at shomen as well. Visitors also typically have a special place reserved, depending on their rank and station. Weapons and other training gear will normally be found on the back wall. Kamidana (神棚 in Japanese), literally meaning kami shelf, is a type of miniature shrine placed or hung high on a wall in Japanese homes. ... Shinto ) is the native religion of Japan and was once its state religion. ... Kamiza ) is a term used in Japan to refer to the top seat within a room. ... Kanban maintains inventory levels; a signal is sent to produce and deliver a new shipment as material is consumed. ... It has been suggested that Japanese_Taiko_Drumming be merged into this article or section. ... Armor or armour (see spelling differences) is protective clothing intended to defend its wearer from intentional harm in combat and military engagements, typically associated with soldiers. ... The O-Yoroi is a prominent example Japanese armor due to its unique nature. ... Generally accredited to Gichin Funakoshi (but rumoured to have been created by Sakugawa, an Okinawan karate enthusiast in the 18th century) the Dojo Kun, or dojo rules, serves as a set of five (5) guiding principles, recited at the begining of each Shotokan training session, intended to frame the practise...

A fine example of a traditional kendō dōjō is Noma dojo in Tokyo. Kendo (剣道 Kendō) or way of the sword, is the martial art of Japanese fencing. ... Fencers at a morning practice in Noma Dojo Noma Dojo (野間道場 Noma Dōjō) is a privately owned kendo training hall, or dojo, located in Tokyos Bunkyo ward close to Gokoku-ji. ...   , literally Eastern capital) is a unique subnational administrative region of Japan with characteristics of both a prefecture and a city. ...

A hombu dōjō or honbu dōjō of a style is considered the administrative and stylistic headquarters or a particular martial arts style or group. This does not necessarily mean that they are large or ostentatious.

Some well-known hombu dōjō located in Japan are:

• Kodokan
• Aikikai hombu dojo
• Bujinkan Hombu Dojo

The equivalent Korean term for "dōjō" is "dojang", and very similar disciplines and customs are followed. The Kodokan Institute is the headquarters of the Judo World. ... Aikikai Hombu Dojo Aikikai Hombu Dojo (合気会 本部道場) is the headquarters of the Aikikai which is an umbrella organisation of various national, as well as smaller, aikido organisations. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Dojang is a term used in Korean martial arts, like taekwondo and hapkido, that refers to a formal training hall. ...

Dōjō in Zen Buddhism

Dōjō is also used to describe the meditation halls where Zen Buddhists practice zazen meditation. It is sometimes used instead of the term "zendo" which is more specific, and more widely used. European Soto Zen groups affiliated with the International Zen Association prefer to use "dōjō" instead of zendo to describe their meditation halls as did their founding master, Taisen Deshimaru. Zen is a school of Mahāyāna Buddhism notable for its emphasis on practice and experiential wisdom—particularly as realized in the form of meditation known as zazen—in the attainment of awakening. ... Kodo Sawaki practicing zazen Zazen (坐禅) is at the heart of Zen Buddhist practice. ... Zendo (禅堂, Chinese: Chántáng) is a Japanese term translating roughly as meditation hall. In Zen Buddhism, the zendo is a spiritual dojo where zazen (sitting meditation) is practiced. ... For the vegetable, see Celosia. ... Zen is a school of Mahāyāna Buddhism notable for its emphasis on practice and experiential wisdom—particularly as realized in the form of meditation known as zazen—in the attainment of awakening. ... Taisen Deshimaru (1914-1982) was a Japanese Zen Buddhist teacher. ...

See also

• McDojo

McDojo is a pejorative term used by some Western martial artists to describe a martial arts school where image or profit is of a higher importance than technical standards. ...

External links

• Hidden and deeper meanings in dojo layout