Dojo is a Japanese term that literally means place of the way, combining do, way, with jo, place. It refers to the physical space where a martial art is taught and practised, whether that is a purpose built hall with a sprung floor and mirrors, a school gymnasium used in the evenings, or a small room in someone's home. The word is used across judo, karate, aikido and several other Japanese styles.
A dojo usually has its own simple etiquette: students bow when entering and leaving, and often again before stepping onto the training area itself. Many dojos keep a designated front, sometimes called the kamiza, where instructors and senior students are positioned, and shoes are left at the edge of the training surface to keep it clean. Following these small routines is generally expected from the first class, even for a complete beginner.
If you plan to convert a spare room into your own training space, our home dojo setup guide covers flooring, space and basic equipment. See also the entry on sensei for how instructors are addressed in a dojo.
