The place where judo training occurs is called a dojo, which literally
means « a place to learn the way », and it is in the dojo that the way of
gentleness is taught and learned. The traditional dojo is floored with mats
made for judo called tatami. These are usually 1m by 2m rectangular mats
originally made of straw, but now often made of synthetic material. Dojo
without tatami instead use mats, such as
gym mats or wrestling mats. The dojo also usually includes an area reserved for
objects of respect, such as photographs of various judo dignitaries (e.g., the
founder of judo Jigoro Kano, previous instructors of that dojo¡¦) or
calligraphies of judo-related sayings or mottoes.
Sizes of dojos differ considerably around the world. The smallest dojos need to be large enough for several pairs of people to be able to move about freely together in free practice, or randori, which we will describe below. While some dojos may be as small as 36 square meters or less, large dojos can house hundreds of tatami, allowing for the simultaneous training of 100 or more students.
In addition to the practice area, most dojos include places for students to change into their judogi, toilets or washrooms, an office, and other such areas. Many also include areas for supplemental training, like rope climbing, weight lifting, plyometrics, and such.
The dojo is kept very clean. Tatami are usually cleaned on a regular basis, as well as all other parts of the dojo. Because students practice with their bare feet, it is important to maintain proper hygiene of all areas of the dojo. Not only is this an excellent sanitary practice; it reinforces the values of cleanliness.
Sizes of dojos differ considerably around the world. The smallest dojos need to be large enough for several pairs of people to be able to move about freely together in free practice, or randori, which we will describe below. While some dojos may be as small as 36 square meters or less, large dojos can house hundreds of tatami, allowing for the simultaneous training of 100 or more students.
In addition to the practice area, most dojos include places for students to change into their judogi, toilets or washrooms, an office, and other such areas. Many also include areas for supplemental training, like rope climbing, weight lifting, plyometrics, and such.
The dojo is kept very clean. Tatami are usually cleaned on a regular basis, as well as all other parts of the dojo. Because students practice with their bare feet, it is important to maintain proper hygiene of all areas of the dojo. Not only is this an excellent sanitary practice; it reinforces the values of cleanliness.
The dojo is not just a place to come and learn
about the technical aspects of judo; it is a place to learn about the way of
gentleness, and the way of life. It is a place to learn about how to control
yourself, how to treat others with respect and dignity, how to respect your
elders and seniors, and how to care for those under you. For these reasons,
judo students bow when entering and leaving the dojo, to signify their respect
not only for the place, but also for the teachings and learning that occur
there, and the institution of judo. The dojo is treated with respect, sanctity,
and reverence.
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