The perfect Dojo/School

If you could design the perfect Dojo/School, what are things that you feel are an absolute necessity to have, things that would be nice to have, and things that just should not be in the Dojo/School at all.

Your thoughts Please.

My perfect list:

Necessary items:
a) Properly designed Spring loaded floor
b) Large training area with high ceilings
c) proper mats
d) Big Clocks/timers with loud buzzers
e) Wash-room, Showers change area with lockers

Nice to have:
a) Laundry service for the Gi
b) Coat Area and place to remove shoes for visitors and parents
c) Area for weight training/ropes etc
d) Viewing area with amenities for parents

Just a few thoughts

In addition to what has already been listed, I would make sure that the main practice area was of regulation size so the club could hold it's own tournaments. Ideally, an area large enough to hold two matches at once, but one would suffice. The room would need to have seating around several sides and, an area for the table and, scoring machines that wouldn't interfere with the crowd, or the players. The building would also have either a longer mat area where the players could warm up before their matches, or an auxiliary training room. You could hold two classes at once! One of the rooms would have enough glass space to make it viable to people from the outside, while the other room would be easily seen upon entrance to the building.

Excellent list but ... I would add:

- "Viewing area with amenities for parents" yes, a cafe with coffee, internet, snacks ... with soundproof glass separation ... or better yet a camera system so parents can watch but not interrupt. One coach at a time, Dad.

- Check in desk. No one gets in without card and/or invitation.

- Video screen for ... errrr ... videos.

afulldeck wrote:My perfect list:

Necessary items:  
a) Properly designed Spring loaded floor
b) Large training area with high ceilings
c) proper mats
d) Big Clocks/timers with loud buzzers
e) Wash-room, Showers change area with lockers

Nice to have:
a) Laundry service for the Gi
b) Coat Area and place to remove shoes for visitors and parents
c) Area for weight training/ropes etc
d) Viewing area with amenities for parents

Just a few thoughts

The adults would then use the big room, which has seating inside. The kids would go to the auxiliary room that would have the glass area. Or, maybe dispense with that and, just make it known that only the instructors get to instruct during class. Signs could be up as a reminder. If any parent had a concern, after class would be the time.

Snacks would be healthy, such as nuts, fruit and, perhaps someone with a juice and, smoothie business setting up shop. Coffee too.

NavyRN wrote:If you could design the perfect Dojo/School, what are things that you feel are an absolute necessity to have, things that would be nice to have, and things that just should not be in the Dojo/School at all.

Your thoughts Please.

Teachers who know judo.

Everyone has suggested the very nice things
on their wish list.
However, they forgot the most important
component in any Judo club...................


Students.................lots of Students !!!

Maybe you might need a nice school to attract lot's of students? How about the outside of the school? It might be nice to have a garden with a small waterfall with benches for people to sit outside and, relax.

The next question in this series would be to figure out how to run the school to attract and, keep students? Do you offer one type of class, or several? What happens when one earns their black belt and, they aren't interested in teaching, but practicing Judo against competent players? How about a black belt club for those types of Judoka? Brown belts might be the lowest level allowed to practice. It might be a good goal for many younger players. How about a class for those that love competition?

A nice sized mat area. (2 mats would be ideal) Also, the venue should be dedicated to Judo. Mats to stay down and in place. Enough secure parking, preferably closed/gated where kids can play outside on your jungle-jim or activity area for outside fitness and/or strength training.

Enough space for spectators/parents etc. preferably with tables where they can enjoy tea/coffee/refreshments

At least 2 bathrooms with changing area space and lockers.

Very good first aid kit, complete with neck braces and backboard as well as a competent first-aider always at hand when training.

Large-screen TV - maybe a projector where one can play videos on techniques etc to aid with classes

Plenty of ventilation or a decent air conditioner depending on your climate.

A decent website and facebook page to allow interaction. Your website can possibly have a closed forum for out of class discussion

A nice library with all your Judo books, DVD's, syllabi etc.

Tuck-shop run by parents for fund-raising

A bus to get your team to-and-from competitions in the area

A proper and well-organized club committee to run the club finances and to drive fund-raising initiatives where required.

And most of all, PLENTY of students to teach and the Sensei to teach them!!!!

* Edit: Almost forgot things NOT to have...

Girl classes without a lady present (or boy classes without a gent present)
Alcohol, drugs and smoking in the area
Glass windows or hard beams/edges/etc close to the mat area
Lack of insurance/disclaimers

Ok, here's my dream dojo. I've thought about this at various times when playing the lottery.

It would be more of a complex, like a sports center dedicated to Judo.

1. A main training hall with a regulation size judo mat on a sprung floor, plus all the training equipment we might need in easily available storage - crash pads, uchikomi bands, exercise balls etc. The hall should be big enough to accommodate at least 3 mats.
2. A second mat in a more traditional Japanese style dojo.
3. Both spaces would have plenty of room for spectators sitting in comfortable chairs.
4. A complete first aid/trainers room with all kinds of modern treatment tools & a first aider & physical therapist on staff.
5. Plenty of bathrooms with nice showering/changing facilities.
6. A child care area with a certified childcare person on staff.
7. Weight training/exercise area with certified trainer on staff
8. Yoga room with instructor on staff
9. Pool room with a lap pool, hot tub & ice tub.
10. Cafe with healthy choices as well as the usual snack foods.
11. Bar so we can have a party or just have a beer after class.
12. The grounds would be really nice with outdoor areas for sitting, cared for by the groundspeople on staff.
13. There would be a shop with team gear & any equipment people might need.
14. A media room big enough to allow team movie night and computers for individual study. Plus a large selection of Judo books & DVDs.
15. Overnight facilities for people travelling to train or for Judo camp events.
16. A meditation area/quiet room for people who need that kind of thing.
17. Treatment rooms for massage or sports therapy (psychological or physical).
18. Plenty of diverse instructors & assistant instructors.
19. Female instructors available for every class.
20. A program that includes kids & adults Judo, self defense classes, Judo exercise classes (no randori, just the warm ups), competition specific classes, kata specific classes, women's only classes, classes for people with disabilities, classes for teens or for older adults, men only classes & Newaza or tachiwaza specific classes. In other words, something for everyone & available throughout the day 7 days a week.
21. Cross training available in other arts and available equipment for those arts.
22. Visiting instructors in a variety of arts & a space for them to stay in, guest house.
23. Two meeting rooms for team meetings or classes so they should have A/V equipment available.
24. A main reception desk.
25. Free wifi throughout the facility
26. An outdoor training space (I'm building this in California in my mind).
27. A mini bus & a tour bus available for travelling to competitions etc.
28. A super rich benefactor so it would be affordable for anyone to join.

I think that just about does it. Sigh, we can but dream!

Nic wrote:Ok, here's my dream dojo.  I've thought about this at various times when playing the lottery.    

It would be more of a complex, like a sports center dedicated to Judo.  

1. A main training hall with a regulation size judo mat on a sprung floor, plus all the training equipment we might need in easily available storage - crash pads, uchikomi bands, exercise balls etc.  The hall should be big enough to accommodate at least 3 mats.
2. A second mat in a more traditional Japanese style dojo.
3. Both spaces would have plenty of room for spectators sitting in comfortable chairs.  
4. A complete first aid/trainers room with all kinds of modern treatment tools & a first aider & physical therapist on staff.  
5. Plenty of bathrooms with nice showering/changing facilities.  
6. A child care area with a certified childcare person on staff.
7. Weight training/exercise area with certified trainer on staff
8. Yoga room with instructor on staff  
9. Pool room with a lap pool, hot tub & ice tub.
10. Cafe with healthy choices as well as the usual snack foods.
11. Bar so we can have a party or just have a beer after class.
12. The grounds would be really nice with outdoor areas for sitting, cared for by the groundspeople on staff.
13. There would be a shop with team gear & any equipment people might need.
14. A media room big enough to allow team movie night and computers for individual study.  Plus a large selection of Judo books & DVDs.
15. Overnight facilities for people travelling to train or for Judo camp events.
16. A meditation area/quiet room for people who need that kind of thing.
17. Treatment rooms for massage or sports therapy (psychological or physical).
18. Plenty of diverse instructors & assistant instructors.  
19. Female instructors available for every class.
20. A program that includes kids & adults Judo, self defense classes, Judo exercise classes (no randori, just the warm ups), competition specific classes, kata specific classes, women's only classes, classes for people with disabilities, classes for teens or for older adults, men only classes & Newaza or tachiwaza specific classes. In other words, something for everyone & available throughout the day 7 days a week.
21. Cross training available in other arts and available equipment for those arts.
22. Visiting instructors in a variety of arts & a space for them to stay in, guest house.
23. Two meeting rooms for team meetings or classes so they should have A/V equipment available.
24. A main reception desk.
25. Free wifi throughout the facility
26. An outdoor training space (I'm building this in California in my mind).
27. A mini bus & a tour bus available for travelling to competitions etc.
28. A super rich benefactor so it would be affordable for anyone to join.

I think that just about does it.  Sigh, we can but dream!

- 10,000 foot runway;
- sushi bar, yaki-niku tables, tan-tan men after 11 PM;
- onsen (4-dan and above only);
- plump Chinese massage girls qualified as bonesetters;

... good start Nic

BillC wrote:
-  plump Chinese massage girls qualified as bonesetters;

...I have an uncomfortable shiver....

For me :

1. Adult training for at least 1 and half hours every evening (maybe with an afternoon class available as well)
2. Excellent coaches with deep technical knowledge and general knowledge of Judo.
3. At least half an hour of Randori per class and/or the option of a pure randori session every day.
4. Large classes with a wide range of ages and technical abilities.
5. Friendly disciplined people, positive training environment.
6. Appreciation of the concept of mutual benefit, respect, etiquette and other Judo concepts as well as competitive proficiency amongst members.
7. Plenty of Newaza and Tachi Waza options.
8. Some sort of wooden building on top of a hill somewhere, close to nature,  bamboo should be involved .
9. good mats, floor, medical facilities etc
10. Healthy organic food and drink options.
11. Thinking of demographics - options of a female only class and plenty of options for kids.
12. Proper insurance that pays promptly in case of injury.
13. The capacity for teaching less known techniques  of Judo such as Atemi Waza, Kata and techniques banned by the IJF for those who are interested.
14. Whilst the teacher is obviously the main authority on the mat - its also nice to have a group of people with a diverse range of favourite techniques who are really really good at them and know the fine details of the techniques. Those experts who just floor you without hurting you using pure technique - no strength - its almost like magic. The opportunities to learn are then amplified. You can find the technique that works for you and there will be somebody to teach it to you to great depth.
15. Tutors and students of good moral character.

and .... No politics ! ( I can dream can't I ?)

BillC wrote:-  onsen (4-dan and above only);
-  plump Chinese massage girls qualified as bonesetters;

Why do I see you as a 4-dan now ??

How about a decent rest room for a change.

Most inputs describe the physical aménités well And many idéal situaions. There are no comments about the introduction les son appart from the demo. One can use some documentation to prépare adossier about all acceptée student, suce as certificate of fitness for the âge group, the consent form or responsability consent, the sport insurance if any,parental consent if minors,test results for mental attitudes etc.other documents if any is required such photo, emergency telephone, allergies or else.
Maybe, most dojo have a leaflet or pubkishing describing lessons plans and schedules with assigned instructos, fees required , emergency numbers, evacuation routes,etc.
Curious to find out what is currently in use.