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, 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
A 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 taiko 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 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.