The Dojo

"The dojo is the place where courage is fostered and superior human nature is bred through the ecstasy of sweating in hard work." The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do by Shoshin Nagamine (OSensei) from 'The Ethics of the Dojo'

Renseikan Dojo is a traditional Japanese martial arts dojo. For those unfamiliar with the martial arts, a Dojo (meaning a place of the Way or school) is a school in which students receive instruction in the martial arts. We also consider our dojo a home, and as such, our students and visitors are asked to treat the dojo as a place of respect and honour.

Dojo Rules. The Dojo itself is always treated with respect by all martial arts students. This respect is reflected in the Dojo Rules of Etiquette. While all students are expected to understand and practice these Dojo Rules, beginners should not worry about "slipping up"! As with everything, these Rules will come with practice. If there is anything you don't understand, ask a senior student who will be able to help you out.

Dojo Care and Maintenance. Our Dojo is the meeting house for the students who train at Renseikan, and as a sign of the respect we all feel for our Dojo and our training, the Dojo's care and maintenance is entrusted to the students. We hold regular Dojo Cleanings during which we all join together to wash, clean and care for our Dojo. These Dojo Cleanings have evolved into a true community sharing of the respect we all feel for both the Dojo and our training - and students find them a lot of fun, too.

The Renseikan Dojo. Renseikan Dojo is no ordinary place of exercise. Students and instructors alike give our Dojo the highest respect, a respect which reflects the Dojo's close association with the devotion we all share towards the practice of the martial arts. At Renseikan, we consider the martial arts to be not merely a form of healthy exercise, but an entire lifestyle. Our Dojo is the place where we show our readiness to learn the disciplines of Karate, Aikido and Jodo.