A dojo is a “place for learning the Way”; in this case the way of Karatedo. It can be at the training hall itself, or an open field, or in the mountains, in a river, in our back yard, or our private room; anywhere we practice Karatedo.

In Karatedo Doshinkan, we go out of our way to hold practice in all these kinds of dojo and in all weather conditions. Each environment has its own enjoyments and valuable benefits and brings the training alive and makes it more interesting.

The dojo is a special environment in which we learn the formal principles of Karatedo movement, reigi (courtesies, mannerisms) and dotoku (positive character traits). We learn how to train our bodies and minds, develop positive relationships with our teachers and training partners, care for our weapons, our uniform and our training place. These patterns and relationships are meant to be carried outside the formal dojo setting and practiced less formally, though intensely, in our daily lives. Traditionally, the dojo was considered as one part of a three part educational system of home, school and dojo.

The term dojo also refers to the group of people with which we share Karatedo training. Sharing an intense and thoughtful training experience together fosters deep friendships.