dojo
DOH-joh
/ˈdoʊdʒoʊ/
A room or hall in which judo and other martial arts are practiced.
It carries a sense of respect and sacredness, not just a 'gym.'
The story behind the word. A Japanese word where 'do' means 'way' and 'jo' means 'place.' Originally, it was a place for Buddhist meditation and 'finding the way' to enlightenment before it became associated with martial arts.
Word relationships
- training hall: Training hall is a literal translation; dojo is the specific Japanese cultural term.
- gymnasium: A gymnasium is for general sports; a dojo is specifically for martial arts.
Commonly confused with
- gym: A gym is for fitness; a dojo is for the 'Way' (martial and spiritual development).
Collocations
- enter the dojo
- dojo etiquette
- master of the dojo
Example sentences
- "You must remove your shoes and bow before entering the dojo as a sign of respect." Entering a training space.
- "The company created a 'coding dojo' where developers could practice their skills in a safe environment." Metaphorical use in tech.
Memory hook
The 'dojo' is the 'place' where you 'do' your training. Dojo = Place of the Way.
When not to use
Don't use it for a standard weight-lifting gym or a boxing ring unless it specifically follows Japanese martial traditions.
Fun facts
- In many traditional dojos, the 'shomen' (front) is where a picture of the founder or a scroll is kept.
Related words
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