In the Dojo (Shambhala Publications Inc)

Beginning students in Japanese martial arts, such as karate, judo, aikido, iaido, kyudo, and kendo, learn that when they are in the dojo (the practice space), they must don their practice garb with ritual precision, address their teacher and senior students in a specific way, and follow certain unwritten but deeply held codes of behavior. Soon they begin to wonder about the meaning behind the traditions, gear, and relationships in the dojo. In this collection of lively, detailed essays, Dave Lowry, one of the most well-known and respected swordsmen in the United States, illuminates the history and meaning behind the rituals, training costumes, objects, and relationships that have such profound significance in Japanese martial arts, including the architecture and decoration of the dojo space the teacher-student relationship the act of bowingthe training weaponsthe hakama (ceremonial skirt) and dogi (practice uniform)the shrine In the Dojo is a unique book that will appeal to both beginning and advanced students of the Japanese martial arts.