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d) The use of protective equipment (bogu) which allows karatedo students to really test their techniques in a safe way and without having to hold back their blows.

e) The practice of weapons (buki-ho) is an integral part of Kenkokan Karatedo, along with karate-ho, the art of empty-hand fighting. These two facets are inseparable in Kenkokan Karatedo, weapons being an extension of the arm and their practice having the same virtues as the empty-hand practice, as well as helping to "bring to life" the karate techniques by displaying the actual clear-cut degree to which the limbs are true weapons.

All these points will be treated in more detail in subsequent chapters.

6. Prelude of Karatedo Training

a. Place of Practice and Equipment

The dojo is the place of practice for karatedo. Dojo literally means “training" or "learning" place, (jo) means place, (do) the way. Its name comes from Buddhism where it designated a place of worship. Later it came to denote a place for the practice of martial arts. It is not necessarily a closed practice hall or gymnasium but any area where one trains one's mind and body in the way of karate. As such a dojo should be respected almost as a temple, and one should always observe a correct attitude and act with proper decorum. Anything which disturbs the concentration of karatedo should be avoided. Smoking should be prohibited and spectators should observe the silence. An atmosphere of mutual respect and of mutual aid between the students, who are in fact helping each other develop themselves, should reign in a dojo.