Name for the front of the dojo
Shomen (true face): Refers simply to the front of
dojo (traditionally either the north side of the dojo or the side
opposite the entrance). Students bow facing the shomen at the
beginning and ending of each class.
Kamiza or Shinza (seat of gods): Seat of honor
and is reserved for instructors and honored guests. While it refers to
the sitting place at the front of the dojo the term is often
used interchangeably with the word kamidana. As you'll see,
this usage is not correct. The term kamiza refers to front region
of the dojo, where the picture of O'Sensei resides... but also where
your sensei instructs from and presides over testing from.
Joza (upper seat): Same as kamiza but used
more in context of relation to other sides of the dojo; shimoza,
joseki , and shimoseki.
Kamidana (god shelf):
Traditional shinto alter.
The whole decorative structure at the front of the dojo containing the
picture of O Sensei can be referred to as the kamidana. However,
the small wooden house-like shrine often seen on the shelf is also
referred to as the kamidana. These small wooden houses are found
in all traditional shinto households and are there to welcome the
spirits of the ancestors. In aikido we generally use the term
kamidana to refer to the entire ornate structure at the front of the
dojo that contains the portrait of O Sensei, and by implication, the
spirit of O Sensei, watching over our training and guiding us. The
kamidana may also contain calligraphy, a flower
display, or sword display.
Tokonoma - Generally refers to a recessed alcove containing
the kamidana. While the tokonoma (alcove) is often part of the
kamidana, dojos may have tokonoma apart from the kamidan. The
tokonoma should contain some spiritual token.
Shimoza (lower seat) Opposite the kamiza... where
the students sit in seiza, ready to receive instruction. Students sit in
shimoza in order of rank, from
shimoseki to joseki. 