Dōjō

Kelvin Grove QUT Dōjō

In Japanese, dōjō 道場 literally means "place of the way." In Japan and all over the world, a dōjō is a martial arts training hall or facility.

Samurai 侍 and Bushi 武士 (Warriors) generally had training halls and facilities, but in contrast Shinobi 忍び (Ninja) and Sōhei 僧兵 (Warrior Monks) often had to train outdoors in the mountains, fields or forests.

Training outdoors in parks or natural places 自然場 (shizenjō) can be a unique challenge, but it also offers many benefits.

One benefit of training outdoors is that you get a chance to practice and hone your ukemi 受け身 (break falling). Ukemi is one of the most important skills of a martial artist and without it you will be prone to injure yourself.

Weather is another benefit of training outdoors. When training in natural conditions your body becomes used to different weather, temperatures, and humidity. There is also always fresh air and usually a breeze to cool you down.

Dōjō History

Ninkokuo Dōjō started as QUT Ninjutsu in 2008 and operated both at QUT's Kelvin Grove and Gardens Point campuses. Between 2008 and 2010 QUT Ninjutsu had approximately 500 members.

In 2010 the club was disbanded because the club captain left for Japan to study martial arts.


In 2011 QUT Ninjutsu was restarted due to popular demand.

In 2013 QUT Ninjutsu was once again disbanded because the club captain left to join the Royal Australian Navy.

In 2016 QUT Ninjutsu was re-branded as Ninkokuo Dojo because the club captain had received his 5th dan and was now able open a dōjō.