dojo

Dojo is a term used for a place of learning or training in Japanese martial arts. In martial arts culture, a dojo is not merely a gym; it is a dedicated space where students train under a teacher, or sensei, and where etiquette, discipline, and the study of technique are emphasized.

Etymology: from do meaning "way" and jo meaning "place." Historically, dojos originated in Japan as training halls for samurai and later for various traditions of judo, karate, aikido, kendo, and archery, among others. The concept spread worldwide with the globalization of martial arts.

In practice: typical features include mats on the floor, a shrine or tokonoma sometimes present, and a central line of training where students bow to the flag or symbol and to the teacher. Instruction combines basics (kihon), forms (kata), and open-sparring (randori or kumite). Respect and hierarchy are reinforced by etiquette such as bowing, greetings, and dress in a gi.

History and context: dojos have varied in architecture and organization, from modest rooms in community centers to purpose-built training halls. They serve educational, sport, and cultural functions and often host demonstrations, exams, and gradings.

Other uses: The term also appears in modern technology as the Dojo Toolkit, an open-source JavaScript framework used to build web applications. It is unrelated to martial arts in its functionality but shares the same name origin reflecting a "place of learning."