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Honoring the Dojo: A Deep Dive into Japan's Martial Arts Sanctuaries
If you’ve ever witnessed Japanese martial arts in person or on TV, then you’ve probably seen a dojo. Japanese people use it for a wide variety of events and activities. In this post, we’ll explore the history and role of the dojo in Japan. We’ll also talk about the different martial arts practiced in dojos, not just in Japan but all over the world.
Introduction to the Dojo
A dojo is a hall or room reserved for learning, training, and meditation, particularly in the field of Japanese martial arts. It’s a place where students practice and develop their skills while learning from their masters.
In martial arts, these halls usually operate as schools for training kids and adults in karate, judo, aikido, kendo, and the like. The dojo also serves as a place for meditation, which helps to improve focus, alertness, and mental resilience.
The dojo-cho (“dojo chief”) is the person who owns a dojo. They often stick to an administrative role, but sometimes they serve as the highest-ranked sensei (martial arts instructor). Japanese dojos have strong roots in Zen Buddhism, as they were originally halls in Buddhist temples where immersive training and meditation took place.
With the rise in popularity of martial arts like aikido, judo, and karate across the globe, dojos can be found in Western countries. Overseas dojos maintain the same principles, practices, and etiquette as the ones in Japan.
Etymology and Meaning of Dojo
The word 'dojo' originates from two Japanese words: "do" (way or path) and "jo" (place). Combined, their general English translation is “place of the way.” The term “way” in this context refers to the natural order of the universe and was introduced to Japan through Buddhism.
In the past, a dojo referred to the training ground for practitioners of Japanese arts related to the Dao, an ancient philosophy from China. The hall used by Zen Buddhists for meditation was also called a dojo, although it’s more often called a zen-do these days. The use of the term dojo outside of Japan is exclusively reserved for martial arts training halls. However, people in Japan use it in reference to halls for physical training in any field, including professional wrestling.
The Architectural Elements of a Dojo
The traditional Japanese dojo has specific architectural features that make it stand out from other types of training halls. These elements greatly contribute to the disciplined atmosphere that’s essential to the success of any dojo. The following are the traditional architectural features of a dojo:
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Main entrance: According to Fu-Sui pre-scientific rules, most dojos have their entrances on the south side. This makes it easier for warm air to enter the building.
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Kamiza (place of honor): This side is directly opposite the main dojo entrance and is on the north wall. It is an altar-like structure where one or multiple sensei sit to watch their students.
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Joseki: This is where the students sit. It’s located on the east wall and is a position for students with more responsibility than authority or privilege. These senior students are called senpai or yudansha.
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Shimoza: This junior side is located on the south end of the dojo, opposite the kamiza. It’s usually on the same side as the main entrance. This is where the lowest-ranked students sit.
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Shimoseki: This is located on the west side and faces the joseki. Lower grades of students that haven’t attained the role of senpai sit here.
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Keikojo or Embujo: This is the center of the dojo, where martial arts training and demonstrations take place.
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Tokonoma: This is an alcove, wall insert, or shrine located at the kamiza. It’s used to display flowers, photographs, and scrolls related to the dojo or its lessons.
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Kamidana: This small shrine is placed in a high position, often attached to a wall. It can be placed by the kamiza or joseki.
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Tatami mats: Traditional tatami mats are used as flooring for the training hall or school for martial arts. These mats are made from rush grass and rice straw and can be found in most Japanese-style rooms.
Types of Martial Arts Practiced in Dojos
In this section, we’ll briefly describe the various martial arts typically practiced in dojos and how each one utilizes the space.
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Karate: Originating in Japan, this art focuses on self-defense and counterattacking. It features punches, kicks, knee strikes, hand strikes, and elbow strikes. Students may undergo physical practices like weightlifting, breathwork, and mindfulness exercises in the dojo.
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Judo: This is an art dedicated to unarmed combat. Participants learn to subdue the opponent by holding, throwing, and pinning them. Students spend the majority of their time at the dojo sparring with one another.
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Kendo: In Japanese kendo, participants fence with two bamboo swords held with both hands. The martial art of kendo was originally used as a way for samurai to safely perform sword training. Kendo students train strikes and thrusts to target areas of the body.
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Aikido: This art features the use of throws, holds, and locks similar to judo. A lot of the time, it involves using the opponent's movements against them. Training includes learning to subdue the opponent rather than harm them.
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Jujutsu: This is another Japanese martial art that focuses on unarmed combat. It features the use of holds, throws, and blows. It can be used to subdue and harm opponents. Physical training for jujutsu involves a lot of fighting, grappling, and fitness exercises.
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Laido: This is a Japanese martial art that involves the act of drawing a sword, striking the opponent, and replacing it back into the scabbard. Practitioners train to make their swordsmanship as smooth and fast as they can.
Cultural Significance of the Dojo in Japan
The dojo's role in Japan goes beyond martial arts training. It’s also a place for students to develop mentally and philosophically. In these halls, students learn to respect authority and their opponents. They’re taught to remain disciplined in and out of combat, as negative or unsportsmanlike conduct would result in penalties or punishment.
The dojo instills many other cultural values, including perseverance, obedience, and bravery. Many parents in Japan enroll their children in dojos as a way to improve their character upbringing and ability to defend themselves.
The Dojo Experience: What to Expect
Your first time at the dojo can feel a bit daunting, but you have no reason to worry. It’s a conducive and all-inclusive environment.
You’ll find them in local gyms, community centers, temples, and even police departments. Practice time tends to vary, depending on the dojo in question. Some dojos practice on weekend afternoons and evenings, while others practice on weekday afternoons. You can also find dojos that are available every day of the week.
Newcomers in a dojo are often treated with respect and acceptance. The entire atmosphere is one of community and camaraderie. Most dojos accept visitors, although some are closed and only allow registered members to practice. Closed dojos often undergo advanced training that may be too intense for untrained visitors.
Joining a dojo is not free, in most cases. They usually charge a monthly fee, with prices depending on factors such as privacy level, experience of the sensei, and location of the building. There are even dojos that charge on a pay-as-you-come basis.
To ensure you don’t encounter problems with instructors and other students, always follow the core dojo etiquette. Practice with a full uniform or martial arts attire and avoid wearing watches, jewelry, and other hazardous accessories. Obey instructions as quickly as you can but never walk past anyone’s front; go around their backs instead. Other things to avoid include lateness, side talks, and chewing gum.
Famous Dojos in Japan and Their Histories
Some dojos have existed for decades, achieving countless feats over the years. Many of them are open to visitations, where tourists can watch people practice judo, karate, jujitsu, or other forms of the art. Let’s explore some of the most renowned dojos in Japan:
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Tenri University Judo Dojo (Nara): Founded in 1925 by Shozen Nakayama, Tenri University (Daigaku) is arguably the most famous judo dojo in the world. It played a key role in making judo an Olympic sport in 1964.
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Kashima Jingu Kyudo Dojo (Kashima): Located in one of Japan’s oldest temples, this dojo has been around for over 60 years. It hosts different types of martial arts practice.
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Butokuden (Kyoto): Founded in 1895, it’s Japan’s oldest martial arts center. Butokuden is a major custodian of the Japanese code of martial arts known as budo.
Modern Dojos and Global Spread
The concept of the dojo has spread globally. Hence, people of all nations and ethnicities can participate in this vital Japanese tradition. Many of the overseas dojos teach the same judo and karate originating in Japan, with slight adaptations.
Modern dojos blend innovations with traditions to meet contemporary needs. Some of these innovations include the creation of dojo chains and the use of social media to promote tournaments and events. You might even find a hybrid dojo where weightlifting and wrestling happens.
Conclusion
Besides transmitting cultural values and martial arts skills, dojos have also helped to foster a global appreciation for Japanese culture. Some of the greatest martial arts athletes in the world owe their success to the lessons learned and skills developed in the traditional dojo.
While you learn more about Japanese culture, visit Bokksu Boutique to find new ways to share your interests with loved ones. We offer a wide range of lifestyle and snacking items from different regions of Japan.
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