The Dojo

Is it Special, or Just Somewhere to Go ?

Dojo. What does this word really mean?
Is it a gym or a club? No.
Is it a school ? Not exactly.

Lets look at the meanings of the two kanji that make up the word.
道 (Dou or michi) means a road or path, and is sometimes translated as "the Way" - similar to the Chinese word Tao. "The Way" in this sense means universal principles or laws.
場 (Jou) means place, so Doujou means a place of the Way. In the Bushikai we study
武芸Bugei or warrior (martial) arts.

The ultimate aim of a dojo is not necessarily to teach the subject of study but to give its members a place to learn about themselves through the art they are studying.
With that in mind, how then do you now think of the phrase "You are the Dojo" ? The dojo does not exist without its members (you). In a sense, it is a living entity. It must be fed (monthly dues), cleaned and cared for, as well as receiving the attention of its members. Without these things it will die.

When you become a member of a dojo you take on these responsibilities. So how will YOU care for YOUR dojo? Will your dojo be a beautiful healthy garden or a barren wasteland? Do you see that your monthly dues are received in a timely manner? Do you volunteer to help clean or help with maintenance?(Or do you wait to be asked?) Do you support dojo events? Have you sponsored a new member recently? These things all affect the quality of your training.

Your training can bring you anything you want in life if you will just bring your heart to your training. The dojo provides the place, but your instructor can only provide the means and methods of study. You must decide what you will do with it.