IAIDO.COM recommends the Japanese Martial Arts Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where intensive courses are offered in iaido, judo, and jujutsu (jujitsu). Kendo is practiced in a weekly workshop. See the Japanese Martial Arts Center site.

What is a dojo? The word dojo is composed of two parts - do (pronounced like the word for bread dough), meaning way or path, and jo, meaning place. Thus, a dojo is a place where one finds his or her way. In the martial arts, the way is the particular art that the practitioner has chosen as a lifetime pursuit. In many Japanese arts, the emphasis on lifetime practice and personal development is expressed by the -do suffix, as in karate-do, aikido, judo, etc.

Kenjutsu is another of the Japanese martial arts involving the sword. Most kenjutsu practice is paired kata (pre-arranged forms), although there are also solo forms, practical exercises, and cutting (tameshigiri) in some forms of kenjutsu. Most of what are called koryu (ancient styles) include at least some kenjutsu. Some pre-eminent kenjutsu schools whose techniques are still practiced are the following: Katori Shinto-ryu, Kashima Shinto-ryu, Niten Ichi-ryu, and Yagyu Shinkage-ryu.

1. FEATURED DOJOS:
   

2. Japanese Martial Arts Center
   

3. 771 Airport Blvd, Suite 1B
   

4. Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
   

5. Phone: (734) 645-6441
   

6. ITAMA Dojo
   

7. 16800 S. Chandler Rd, Suite 110
   

8. East Lansing, Michigan 48823
   

9. Phone: (517) 333-1699
   

10. Yamaoroshi Dojo
    

11. 120 South 100 West
    

12. Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647
    

13. Phone: (435) 462-1400
    

14. Iaido Miami
    

15. 7360-25B SW 24th Street
    

16. Miami, Florida 33155
    

17. Phone: (305) 666-9800
    

18. Legacy Shorin-Ryu
    

19. 808 Talbot Street
    

20. St. Thomas, Ontario
    

21. Phone: (519) 782-4640