Dojo Kun (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Dojo Kun is a board game released in 2015 by designers Antonio De Luca and Simone Delladio. The game is set in a martial arts dojo, where players take on the role of senseis competing to train the best students and become the most prestigious dojo in the region.

Game Components of Dojo Kun

Game board

Trainee and sensei tokens

Dice

Small cardboard chits

Tournament boards

Victory point tokens

Rulebook

Various icons and iconography matching the martial arts theme

How To Setup Dojo Kun

Setting up Dojo Kun involves placing the game board in the middle of the playing area, distributing the trainee and sensei tokens, and preparing the tournament boards. Each player chooses a dojo (Tiger, Crane, Bear, Cobra) and receives the corresponding tokens and boards. The game components, including the small cardboard chits, are organized according to the rules outlined in the well-structured rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Eurogame with worker placement and dice rolling.

Designer: Roberto Pestrin.

Number of Players: 1 – 4.

Playing Time: 60 – 90 minutes.

Objective: Train martial arts athletes to compete in the black and white lotus tournaments to earn victory points.

Game Phases:
– Training seasons: Use worker placement mechanics with trainees and senseis to level up and improve dojo capabilities.
– Tournament seasons: Engage in dice rolling fights with trained athletes, with better fighters having more dice and special moves.

Betting Mechanism: Allows other players to stay engaged during tournament matches by betting on the outcomes.

Player Experience

In Dojo Kun, players take on the role of a Sensei managing their own dojo, recruiting and training students in various martial arts forms. The game alternates between training and tournament seasons, each feeling like separate yet interconnected games. Players develop a relationship with their fighters through the training phases, which adds a personal touch to the competitive tournament matches. The dice mechanics introduce a random element that can significantly impact the game, making it both thrilling and sometimes frustrating.

Pros

Interconnected Mechanics: Training and tournament phases are deeply dependent on each other.

Theme Integration: The mechanics and theme are very intertwined, enhancing the overall martial arts experience.

Visuals: Beautifully illustrated with matching icons and iconography.

Engagement: Betting mechanism keeps all players involved during tournament matches.

Strategic Depth: Simple yet strategic gameplay with various strategies to explore.

Cons

Fiddly Components: Small cardboard chits can be cumbersome to manage.

Drag in Matches: Some tournament matches can drag out, making the game less engaging at times.

Random Element: Dice rolling can sometimes feel too luck-based.

Personal Thoughts on Dojo Kun

Dojo Kun is ideal for players who enjoy a mix of strategy and luck in their games. It’s a mid-level complexity game, making it accessible to those familiar with eurogames, yet it may take a game or two for new players to fully understand. Families with children aged 8-10 and up can also enjoy this game, especially those who appreciate martial arts and competitive themes. However, it may appeal most to a niche audience who enjoy the blend of worker placement and dice rolling mechanics within a strong thematic context.

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