
The site is great resource for finding a place to practice by conducting a nationwide search for dojos near an address you select. My preference is using a search engine specific to dojos. The only thing is that occasionally dojos may not be set up with the keyword “dojo” in the title, meaning you may be missing out on some. Well you could do a simple search for “dojo’s near me” in Google, Bing, or whatever your preferred search engine of choice is. I’ve actually learned quite a bit from my friends who I practice with they’ve let me experiment with their swords (hence some of my offered advice around katana reviews), given my advice on sword care, and even shared a few beers with me (not before using the katana of course). You not only will train against them in the dojo, but you will bond with them outside of it. The final benefit of practicing in a dojo is that you’ll get to meet other people that share the same interest as you.

It’s not just a sport you are about to participate in, it’s an entire mindset. Training in a dojo will also allow you to understand the ways of the samurai, their ancient thought process, and their takes on various life situations. Having this guidance is essential in remaining safe and actually understanding what you are trying to accomplish beyond just swinging a piece of sharp steel around. You don’t buy a car and try to take it out on the road before you know how to drive it…well I didn’t anyway.īy going to a dojo you can practice under the supervision of a master sensei who will instruct you on the proper usage of your sword. The primary reason why everyone who is new to any martial art that involves swords, blades, or other weapons should find a local dojo is so that they learn how to use them.

Combined they represent the term that is referred to today. The ‘Do’ means ‘way’ or ‘pursuit’ and the ‘Jo’ means ‘a place’.

The word comes from Japan and loosely translated means “a place of pursuit” the pursuit of which is your journey to mastering a martial art. They can range from a gym, to a smaller studio, to an entire complex focused on teaching the various martial arts. Dojos can vary in the types of martial arts they perform there ranging from judo and karate to the more skilled iaido.

A dojo is a place or large room used for training purposes in martial arts. I guess before I get too far ahead of myself for those who are new to this and don’t know what a dojo is let me explain. If you already have a location to train then you are finished, no need to read this step!įor those of you who are new katanas, other weaponized martial arts, or just martial arts in general, this final step will help you pin down a place where you can practice under the supervision of a trained sensei (which as I said in earlier steps that I highly recommend). The final step in our katana readiness guide is helping you find a dojo where you can now use your newly purchased katana.
