“The Dojo lies within a Pure and True Heart”
- Spiritual Assassin
- Oct 24, 2019
- 3 min read
The Dojo. The word to me just sounds so Spiritual. When I would think of a Dojo, I would instinctively think of a place to learn Japanese Mixed Martial Arts. Things like Judo, Karate, and Aikido. However, as I am hoping will be the answer to most of my questions on this Journey, I am proved wrong.
The Dojo is much more than training in mixed martial arts. Yes, it focuses on the development of life protection techniques, however it is more focused on the development of character, mind and spirit. See, originally the Dojo exists as a meditation and prayer hall for Zen Buddhist monks. It was a place to practice insight into the nature of existence; A path to self-actualization, and a place to understand one's true self.

“Do” in Japanese means road, or path. And “Jo” is the term used to denote a castle or great structure. Therefore, the traditional Japanese Dojo, would be more a training hall for the mind and their inner journey to understand the things they carried deep within themselves.
Strengthening one’s mind was a vital aspect of becoming a Warrior. Whether this was facing the fear of death on the battlefield, or facing the battles within their own mind, they recognized training not only the physical, but mental and spiritual aspect a key component in everyday life.
However dissimilar Buddhist monks and Samurai Warriors are; there is also great similarity. They both understand the training for any fight begins with the mind. Where Monks would take to the Dojo to practice meditation, and Samurai’s would attain fairly opposite practices, the end result would always be the same; to free themselves from the fear of death. The Dojo soon became a place to study the path of Budo - “The Way of War”. However it was never anything physical; it was all inside the mind and heart of the Warrior.
I have trained in a couple of Dojo’s myself (only locally, I will make it to Japan sometime soon!). One, in particular, was very structured and showed great respect to the leader. This, in a way, is a means of mind and character development. But, at the end of the day, the purpose of the training is to focus on the practice. Everybody is there practicing the same techniques. Yet, each individual is on their own journey in life, riding their own paths, and can experience something completely unique, different to other members. Even though we were all in the same uniform, performing the same techniques at the same time, each person’s experience differs greatly. And this, I feel, is the lesson for life learned from the Dojo.
Everybody can be dressed the same, act the same, be told to do the same thing; but we all have different perceptions of it. We all have different perceptions of our own life. We have our own unique World inside of us. There will always be distractions, both in the environment and within ourselves, but by bringing your focus back not only to the physical, but mental and spiritual, you are bringing awareness to yourself.
The Dojo is a state of mind that never changes. Once you are in the Dojo.. you are IN the Dojo. It is what you create from it. It is your chance to perceive your perceptions, to challenge your thoughts and evolve. Every member of the Dojo sees his training differently. The similarity; it breaks barriers. You understand and uncover your potential. You connect with your mind and body. You will understand yourself. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll pick up some badass fighting skills along the way.

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