Dojang
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Dojang is a term used in Korean martial arts, like taekwondo and hapkido, that refers to a formal training hall. It is typically considered the formal gathering place for students of a martial art to conduct training, examinations and other related encounters.
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[edit] Meaning
The Chinese character for Do (道) means 'the way' or 'path' and Jang (場) means 'a place'. Which makes dojang the place where one practices the way. So in case of martial arts it is the place where one practices the path of that martial art. You make combinations like hapkidojang or taekwondojang to make clear to what kind of dojang you are referring. In Korean Buddhism the dojang is the place where meditation and practice takes place in the temple.
[edit] Decoration
The dojang walls can be decorated with all kinds of things ranging from the national and federation flag to pictures and calligraphy and boards with the names of techniques practiced in the dojang on it. In general Korean dojangs are usually heavily decorated which might give some visitors a bit of a messy impression.
In dojangs where arts are practiced which require a lot of falling, there will usually be a mat on the floor. In older days the floor could also be covered with the sacks rice was stored in, but in modern days there is a variety of mats available.
[edit] Usage
The Korean word for gym is more commonly translated as Chae Yuk Kwan (체육관), which means 'sports place'. Dojang refers to the actual place in the gym where practice takes place.
At the beginning of class, students will line up according to their rank—the highest-ranking students at the front right and the lowest-ranking students at the back left.
