Dojo in Chinese / Japanese...

道場 is the Japanese term for a room or hall in which martial arts are taught. 道場 is often spelled "dojo" which has become a word in the English lexicon. However, the true Romaji is "doujou" or "dōjō."

Please note: The Chinese definition of these characters is quite different. In Chinese, this is a place where Buddhist or Taoist mass is held. It could also be the place where spiritual or psychic events are performed.

道場訓 is the Japanese term for the rules or doctrine of the dojo.

道場訓 is often a list of roles and expectations posted near the front entrance of a dojo.

道場で泣き戦場で笑う is a Japanese phrase that means, "Cry in the dojo, laugh on the battlefield."

You'll see this phrase in a lot of dojos as a kind of philosophical joke.

Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

See Also:  The More We Sweat in Training the Less We Bleed in Battle

These two characters mean compassion and sympathy in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, which makes this word universal.

Compassion is caring and understanding someone is hurt or troubled (even if you don't know them). It is wanting to help, even if all you can do is listen and say kind words. You forgive mistakes. You are a friend when someone needs a friend.

See Also:  Caring | Kindness