dojo

noun do·jo \ ˈdō-(ˌ)jō \

|Updated on: 23 May 2018

Definition of dojo

plural dojos

: a school for training in various arts of self-defense (such as judo or karate)

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Recent Examples of dojo from the Web

In the series, Zabka's Johnny Lawrence re-opens the Cobra Kai dojo, where the motto is to strike first, strike hard and show no mercy.

— joey morona, cleveland.com, "'Karate Kid' sequel series 'Cobra Kai' to be shown in theaters for one night only," 22 Mar. 2018
Johnny stumbles into the idea of teaching karate, reviving the Cobra Kai dojo, as a way of getting his mojo back, and not incidentally helping out a nerdy kid, Miguel (Xolo Maridueña), who's subjected to his share of abuse at school.

— brian lowry, CNN, "'Karate Kid' spinoff 'Cobra Kai' delivers a hit for YouTube Red," 2 May 2018
The show also gives Macchio and Zabka a pair of richly human roles, and a return to the dojo that neither could have foreseen.

— drew fortune, HWD, "Wax On: Ralph Macchio and William Zabka Return to the World of Karate Kid," 2 May 2018
Sky talks about recently becoming an assistant coach at the New Japan Pro Wrestling new dojo in Los Angeles.

— jim varsallone, miamiherald, "Interview with this Ring of Honor Six-Man Tag Champ as ROH is returning to Florida | Miami Herald," 26 Apr. 2018
Be a part of the premier of the new movie in 4-D, transporting you to the dojo with Lego Master Wu and friends.

— BostonGlobe.com, "The Ticket: What’s happening in the local arts world," 30 Mar. 2018
Instead, Johnny opens a dojo where he is destined to become the politically incorrect sensei to a group of outcast kids.

— nina metz, chicagotribune.com, "Buried by streaming. Again. Send help. Again.," 29 Mar. 2018
Pukish is a martial-arts master who once ran a dojo, as well as a training business called Chaos International.

— zachary mider, Bloomberg.com, "Robert Mercer’s Secret Adventure as a New Mexico Cop," 28 Mar. 2018
The premise seems simple enough—Zabka's Johnny Lawrence reopens his old Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his decades-old feud with the OG Karate Kid himself, Macchio's Daniel LaRusso.

— gabrielle bruney, Esquire, "Ralph Macchio and William Zabka Face Off in the Karate Kid Sequel's Trailer," 18 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dojo.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of dojo

Japanese dōjō, from dō way, art + -jō ground

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First Known Use: 1942

in the meaning defined above

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DOJO Defined for English Language Learners

dojo

noun

Definition of dojo for English Language Learners

: a school for teaching people karate, judo, etc.

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dojo

Definition of dojo

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