In a Japanese training hall, the shōmen (正面) is the front, most honored wall of the dōjō, where the shinzen (神前) or kamidana (神棚) is located. It represents the spiritual and directional center of the dojo. It is often decorated with a calligraphy scroll (kakemono), a small shrine (kamidana), or a portrait of the art’s founder (kaitō shōzō).
Dojo Etiquette (Reishiki) and Shōmen
At the start and end of class, practitioners bow toward the shōmen to show gratitude and respect for the tradition. The bow is not worship — it is acknowledgment of lineage, discipline, and the “Way” (dō).
In Sword Arts and Budō Techniques
In the context of sword arts, shōmen means “front” or “centerline”. Shōmen-uchi (正面打ち) means a “strike to the front (head).” Shōmen-giri (正面斬り) is a “straight vertical cut.” A sword cut delivered directly downward, along the centerline — the same path as shōmen-uchi but with a blade.
Translation & Etymology
正 (shō) means correct, true, right, straight and implies “authentic,” “proper,” or “front-facing,” while 面 (men) means face, surface, front, aspect and refers to the face or front of something. 正面 (Shōmen) literally means “the true front” or “the proper face.” Regarding techniques, it can mean “front-facing strike”.
Related Terms
Shōmen ni rei (正面に礼) means “bow to the front” which is a gesture of respect to the art, dojo, and lineage
Shōmen-uchi (正面打ち) means “front strike,” a vertical strike to head/front in aikidōAikidō is a Japanese martial art that blends with an opponent’s force to control and throw them without relying on strength. More or kenjutsu
Shōmen-giri (正面斬り) means “front cut,” a vertical sword cut along centerline
