“It’s not a Gym it’s a DOJO”

Shomen also known as Kamiza

      Every Karateka would know that the word Dojo means “a place to learn the Way”. However, There are many who do not know the different parts of the Dojo, except for the Shomen or the front wall of the Dojo, which is often a part of the formal bowing done at the start and at the end of training. In order to fully grasp the attitude, the discipline and the conduct by which to train in “budo” or martial arts like Karate, it is important to know the different parts of the Dojo for it can help those who enter in their quest to truly learn budo, or in our case Karate-do.       

    The Kamiza, more commonly known as Shomen meaning “upper side” is the Dojo’s front wall where the Shinto shrine; sometimes an offertory altar or simply a picture of the style’s founder is placed. It does not matter what religion one has because the Kamiza simply guides students  and serves as inspiration to pursue not just physical goals but spiritual goals as well. The Kamiza should give the Dojo that spiritual atmosphere. Such is why a true Dojo is temple inspired; It is a place to cultivate virtues like respect, humility, patience, perseverance, self control, fortitude and compassion. 

          The Shimoza is the “lower area” where the entrance is located. Associated on this side are intellect and human interaction. Humility, discipline and awareness are associated on this side. At the entrance students enter with the desire to learn. As they enter, students must leave behind their preconceived ideas about what the training will be, about their own strengths and weaknesses or expectations. One must have a clear and open mind to learn the art of Karate-do or any martial art (Budo). The student should also leave behind whatever problems or distractions he may have like problems at work or school, over excitement with someone or something.To just be in the moment, so that he or she may have focus and concentration in training. At the entrance the students bow before they

Parts of the Dojo

enter the training area not just to honor the place of learning but to enter it with humility and leave the ego behind. Once inside, the students must develop trust with one another and because of humility they should be able to train safely and be sensitive to fellow students. Discipline is initiated at the Shimoza. They learn to conduct themselves with dignity by following the principles of etiquette. The discipline and proper mental attitude must continue even when one exits the Shimoza door. 

          The Joseki means “upper lateral” and it is the senior members’ side which is at the right side of the Dojo. The values like virtue and charity are associated in this side. There should be a sense of commitment for the senior members to lead and be responsible in helping the junior members learn. They are obligated to be good examples to the juniors. The seniors’ side must have a high level of intensity during practice. At the Joseki, the juniors are able to observe and emulate the seniors. The Shimoseki is at the left side of the Dojo and it is the side of junior members. This side is characterized by integrity or rectitude because the junior members are expected to always give their best. From this side, the juniors can observe the seniors and learn from them; also to see if the seniors have the integrity to give their best too. 

           The center of the Dojo is where all the members of different levels meet. This center space is known as “Embujo”. Em means “to act”, bu means “martial” and jo means “place”. At this space everyone is expected to train hard and always do their best. The essence of the center of the dojo is the attitude of being in a life or death situation wherein there are no second chances; no next time. One has to seize the moment and bring out only one’s best. Specially on an ordinary day like when you attend the usual Saturday practice. You were off and you felt you have not been able to do very well. You're thinking that you will just make it up next Saturday training. Yes there will be many more Saturdays to come but that Saturday, that day itself is done and gone forever. The Embujo is a place to do martial training. Actions are the only thing that matter and not talking or theorizing. At the Embujo there should be no excuses, no complaining and whining. 

    Knowing the values represented in each part of the Dojo are vital not just to aid the Karateka to develop his technique but to improve his character as well. The discipline and the attitude that we acquire in the Dojo which help us to learn and hone our skills should also be applied once we step out of the Dojo. Human interaction requires correct etiquette, virtues of humility and compassion initiated at the Shimoza. Be inspired and get motivated by the Kamiza to seek spiritual growth, to perfect one’s character through everyday life. Be observant and emulate those who succeed and always bring out the best in one’s self just like being in the Shimoseki. Be able to always do your best, to have integrity, lead by example and empower others as if being at the Joseki. Avoid making excuses for one’s short comings or failures and just do what is needed to be done, accept responsibility and be accountable. Live as if there will be no tomorrow. This does not mean to indulge in an irresponsible, hedonistic and care free living. We must seize the moment.  At the Embujo it is life or death; there are no second chances. Be grateful and happy; we must grab the opportunities that bring us closer to our goals, be the best that we can be, to be great at what we do; to live one’s life to the fullest and have no regrets. Such is the attitude learned at the Embujo. By understanding what each part of the Dojo represents, we can practice Karate outside the Dojo.

Source: “In The Dojo” by Dave Lowry

The World is our Dojo.