dojo

A dojo is a term used in Japanese martial arts that refers to a formal training hall. It is typically considered the formal gathering place for students of a martial arts style to conduct training, examinations and other related encounters. In Japanese languageJapanese, ''dōjō'' (道場) means literally "place of the Way". A ''hombu dojo'' of a style is considered the administrative and stylstic headquarters or a particular martial arts style or group. This does not necessarily mean that they are large or ostentatious. Some well-known hombu dojo located in Japan are

Kodokan

Shotokan

YoshinkanA proper Japanese-style martial arts dojo is considered special and is well cared for by the users of it. In many styles it is traditional to conduct a ritual cleaning of the dojo at the end of each training session(called sojii). Besides the obvious hygenic 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 dojo that are founded and run by a small group of people or instructors. In fact, it is not uncommon that in traditional (koryu) schools, dojo 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. Many traditional dojo follow a prescribed pattern with shomen and various entrances that are used based on student and instructor rank layed out precisely. Typically students will enter in the lower-left corner of the dojo (in reference to the shomen) with instructors in the upper right corner. Shomen typically contains kamiza - an area for a shinto shrine and other artifacts. Many other artifacts may be displayed throughout the dojo, such as kanban that authorize the school in a style or strategy, and items such as taikotaiko drums or armor (yoroi). It is not uncommon to find the name of the dojo and the dojo kun (roughly "dojo rules") displayed promiently 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. The concept of dojo has been adoped and merged with many martial arts styles. A Korean dojo tend to use the Korean languageKorean pronunciation dojang, as well as other terms including "seonsaeng" (equivalent to "sensei"). Other styles in other nationalities have adopted similar customs, similar to the how the concept of belt ranks have been universalized in international martial arts.

External links -

fightingarts.com - Hidden and deeper meanings in dojo layout

See also -

List of martial arts

List of Japan-related topics

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Small Dojo, Big Profits
Learn how to start a martial arts school. Our manual will show you how to get started without a lot of money and how to earn a six-figure income without compromising your art. Instant download.
http://www.small-dojo-big-profits.com/

The DOJO & DORYOKU KARATE
Martial Arts
http://www.thedojo.net/

Fudoshin Dojo e.V. - Karate und Kobudo in Karlsruhe und Jockgrim
Fudoshin Dojo e.V. Die Wurzeln unseres Vereins gehen auf Francisco Giraldo zurück der 1977 eine Karate AG im heutigen Kinder und Jugendhaus West gegründet hatte. Zusammen mit Leonardo Giovine betrieben beide ab ca. 1978 die Schule „Karate West AG“. Nachdem Leonardo Giovine ausgeschieden war, betreute Francisco Giraldo (Bugy) bis 1994 alleine die Schule. Im August 1994 übergab er Gerhard Scheuriker, der seit 1982 dort übte, die Verantwortung. Am 28. November 1994 wurde der Verein Fudoshin Dojo e.V. gegründet mit dem Zweck: Pflege und Förderung von Kampfkunst. Seither beschäftigen man sich verstärkt mit dem entwickeln und testen von Übungssystemen und Methoden, die sich für die Vermittlung von möglichst umfassender Kampfkunst eignen. Es wird im Karate die Stilart Shotokan Ryu nach Sensei Taiji Kase und Hiroshi Shirai vorangetrieben. Im Kobudo (Bauernwaffen) geht die Basis auf Matayoshi zurück. Der Hauptlehrer ist Kenyu Chinen.
http://www.fudoshindojo.net/

Bushido Karate-Jitsu
Traditional karate based on Shotokan and Goju ryu systems with the addition of street self defence
http://www.bushidokaratejitsu.com/

IKO Kyokushin Kai Kan Tezuka Group
The International Karate Organization Tezuka Group promotes the teaching of Kyokushin Karate to honorable men and women worldwide. It is taught in the spirit of humility, respect, courteousness, and non-violence in accordance with the great principles defined by Mas Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate.
http://www.kyokushin-tezuka.com/

Hara Yoga
HARA YOGA è una Pratica Fondata dal Maestro Giò Fronti il cui impegno è quello di offrire una Via che conduca ai Tre Aspetti dell'Equilibrio: Equilibrio tra Cielo e Terra (tra il sistema respiratorio e circolatorio ed il sistema muscolare e scheletrico; tra ciò che sta in alto e ciò che sta in basso, nel corpo come nell'anima). Equilibrio tra Territorio ed Individuo (tra le molteplici rappresentazioni circostanti e se stessi; tra gli altri e noi; tra il mondo e la nostra visione del mondo). Equilibrio tra Mente e Corpo (tra la funzione psichica e l'insieme delle interdipendenti funzioni organiche; tra il proprio carattere e la sua manifestazione concreta).
http://www.harayoga.it/

Victoria Shotokan Karate-Do and Kobudo Association
This web site is dedicated to the art of Shotokan Karate and Okinawan Kobudo. The articles found here cover a wide range of related topics and contain a wealth of information for students of all ranks.
http://www.shotokankarate.ca/

Suncoast Karate dojo
Suncoast Karate Dojo in Sarasota Fla. Home of World Champion Donna Judge 8th Dan Shuri Ryu
http://www.suncoastkarate.com/

Kyo Ryu - Ju-jitsu, Difesa Personale, Krav Maga
Nel già ampio panorama nazionale delle associazioni di arti marziali c'è oggi un soggetto in più; il suo ideatore ha voluto scegliere per questa nuova realtà un nome molto speciale, oseremmo dire quasi esoterico. Se leggiamo i due caratteri che ne compongono il nome secondo la pronuncia che i giapponesi chiamano Kun Yomi otteniamo Kyò Ryù (o Kyo' Ryu'); il suono di questi carattcaratteri, se li stacchiamo dai caratteri stessi, può assumere diversi significati. Ryù significa letteralmente fluire, in senso traslato ciò che fluisce dalle tradizioni giapponesi altro non sono che le scuole, in questo caso di arti marziali. Oggi posso dire che Maurizio Degrassi, il referente della nuova associazione, non è una persona superstiziosa, difatti Kyò potrebbe anche significare sfortuna, ma anche oggi ed allora Kyò Ryù potrebbe assumere il significato di scuola moderna; tralasciando ancora quello di scrittura buddista potremmo tradurre Kyò con interesse, divertimento o passione ma saremmo decisamente ancora una volta fuori strada nonostante il piacere che si prova nella pratica marziale. Il carattere (Kanji) che possiamo leggere Kyò, il primo dei due, significa specchio. Chi conosce le tradizioni giapponesi saprà che lo specchio (assieme alla spada ed al gioiello) è uno degli oggetti-simbolo all'atto dell'investitura imperiale e che all'interno dei templi Shinto' c'è spesso uno specchio a rappresentare la presenza del Kami, della divinità, dello spirito: lo specchio è infatti il simbolo di Amaterasu Omikami, divinità solare antenata di tutta la dinastia imperiale del Sol Levante. Ritornando, per concludere, alla nostra realtà, Kyò Ryù significa letteralmente Scuola dello specchio ma può assumere il significato nascosto (si diceva quasi esoterico) di Scuola dello spirito oppure, spingendosi ulteriormente nel mondo simbolico, ciò che fluisce dallo spirito.
http://www.difesapersonale.com/

The Mesa & Chandler Shinkendo Dojos
Information on training in the art of Shinkendo, Japanese swordsmanship, in Arizona.
http://www.azshinkendo.com/

KYOKUSHIN PORTUGAL
Kyokushin Karate
http://www.kyokushin.pt/

Standing Waiting
Site specializing in martial arts photography and fiction with a moral angle to it
http://www.standingwaiting.com/

Shorin Ryu Seibukan Karate Union Deutschland e.V.
Zusammenschluss von Karate-Dojos der Stilrichtung Shorin Ryu Seibukan Karate.
http://www.shorin-ryu-seibukan.de/

Isshinryu Karate & Kobudo
Isshinryu Karate y Kobudo en Argentina
http://isshinryu.com.ar/

Shugyokan Matsubayashi Ryu Dojo
South Bay's Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu Branch. Site offers contact information, pictures and philosophy.
http://www.alljapankarate.com/

AikiWeb Aikido Information
A large and highly organized resource for Aikido information including dojo listings, articles, and discussion forums. Maintained by Jun Akiyama.
http://www.aikiweb.com/

DV Dojo
Digital filmmaking and television school in New York City offering full-time, evening and weekend workshops.
http://www.dvdojo.com

San Francisco Taiko Dojo
Founded in 1968, it is the first Taiko group formed in America. News, history, schedule, Rising Stars youth group, plus taiko history, philosophy, audio, and links.
http://www.taikodojo.org/

Aikido Shobukan Dojo
Located in Washington, D.C. this is the home dojo of Aikido Schools of Ueshiba
http://www.aikido-shobukan.org/

Puroresu Dojo
Resource site since 1995. News, history of the sport from the mythological era to present, championship histories, event schedule, articles, interviews, message forum, list of organizations, photo gallery, and market place.
http://www.puroresu.com/