The Dojo (Training Hall)

The dojo (literally, "place for practicing the way") is the place where judoka train. While some clubs have dedicated facilities, any room will do so long as it is clean and safe.

The dojo is a place of respect and is dedicated to the practice of judo alone. It is expected that everyone will remove their shoes at the door and bow before entering. The bow indicates respect for the dojo and for those inside, but it also serves as a good reminder that our judo practice is beginning and that we should leave our problems and concerns outside.

Inside the dojo are the mats that protect us when we fall. Since we will be landing on them frequently, we want to keep them as clean as possible and you should never eat, drink, or wear shoes in the dojo. Traditional Japanese dojos had thick matting made of rice straw and were called tatami. We sometimes still refer to our mats as tatami even though they are made of modern materials.

We allow spectators in our dojo but we ask that they maintain a respectful quiet and refrain from distracting the judoka who are practicing.