Dojo and Youth Action for a Plastic-Free Nature

Today, we’d love to share an inspiring activity led by a young person from Myitkyina, an alumnus of YEAH-1, who organised a cleanup movement at the Karate training centre (ZNJ Club), known as a Dojo, together with children.

What is a Dojo?

A Dojo is any place where Karate practitioners train in the art of Karate. It is a space that is deeply respected and valued, and cleanliness is considered essential before any training begins.

In Japanese, “Do” means “way” or “path of learning,” and “Jo” means “place.” So, Dojo translates to “a place to practice the way,” not just a sports hall but a space for learning discipline, skills, and personal growth.

The young YEAH-1 alumnus shared with the children and trainees how the values of cleanliness and respect in Karate’s Dojo culture align with the environmental values learned through the YEAH Programme—emphasising the importance of caring for and valuing nature.

Karate team members also practised sustainability by:

Avoid using plastic and serve locally made roselle juice in reusable cups and ice flasks.

Collect and clean reusable plastic bottles and containers with the children.

These practical actions were part of a meaningful initiative to promote environmental awareness.

The mindset of “starting from where you are,” learned through the Prevent Plastics+ YEAH Programme, is now being put into practice by these youth in their communities. The Dojo cleanup movement not only taught young Karate trainees about cleanliness and respect but also nurtured a new spirit of environmental consciousness.