(1 minute 45 second read)

What’s in a Dojo Name?
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Recently, I was ‘told’ that I should not have chosen the name “Shuri Dojo” for my dojo. It is not on Okinawa, after all. Naming your dojo this way is wrong.
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What?
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There are some really good associations and schools out there that are not based in Okinawa or Japan. Some are businesses, some located in sports or church halls, some teach for free, are non-political, teach high-quality martial arts – and guess what? Some of those use Asian-sounding names.
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My dojo was established in the UK in 1986, well before social media existed. It was an Okinawan instructor who suggested the name for my dojo almost 40 years ago. I wanted to show how important Okinawan karate was to me. The village of Shuri was hugely significant for Okinawan karate. Many of the karate masters and pioneers of karate came from, or around Shuri village, and it was once the royal capital of the Ryūkyū Kingdom. And of course we have the style of karate literally called “Shuri-te,” the forerunner to many other styles of karate.
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I don’t claim my dojo is in Okinawa; it clearly states where it is on social media and my website. Even though I often receive personal messages simply saying, “Where are you located?” (a bit rude) – A little reading often goes a long way!
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In choosing the name for my dojo, I wanted to honor the heritage and traditions of Okinawan karate. It serves as a reminder to myself and my students of the rich history and the roots of the karate we practice, a tribute to the masters and the culture.
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To those who say the name is misleading or inappropriate, I would argue that the spirit of karate goes beyond geographical boundaries. The values of respect, discipline, and dedication are universal. By naming my dojo this way, I aim to instill a sense of connection to the origins of karate, regardless of our physical location.
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In the end, what truly matters is the integrity and quality of the instruction we provide, the association we build, and the respect we show for the art and its traditions. The name that was recommended to me is a symbol of our commitment to preserving and promoting the essence of Okinawan karate.
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So, to those who question the name, I say: Get over it! What’s in a name? Everything, if it’s chosen with respect and a deep understanding of its significance.
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Photo Credit: Advanced students at the Shuri Dojo
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