This is the “-dō” in the Japanese martial arts of judō, kendō and aikidō, as well as shodō (calligraphy), sadō (tea ceremony) and many others.
Loosely translated, it means “way”, “route”, “path” or “doctrine”.
My calligraphy teacher said that studying a Japanese art is considered similar to taking a journey up a mountain. The summit is the refinement of oneself, and there are many ways to do this. Even though the paths are different, the final destination is the same.
道 is also the “Tao” (or “Dao”) of the Tao Te Ching, the natural order of the universe.
Calligraphy by Vicky 