Japanese (kanji) analysis?

In its daily use, we have four basic meanings for this term.

1 To concentrate on, and keep on aescetic training of Budhism -- this is the original meaning of this word "shohjin". ex)　お坊さんたちは、死ぬまで精進が続きます。 oboh-san tachi wa, shinumade shohjin ga tsuzuki masu. = For the monks, the aescetic trainings go on till they die.

2 To keep your body and mind in pure state for a certain period of time when you are planning to carry out some holy rituals. 　ex) 今度の祭りでご神木を祀る係りだから、いま精進中です。 kondo no matsuri de goshinboku wo matsuru kakari dakara, ima shohjin chu desu. = I am in charge of enshrining the sacred tree in the upcoming festival, so I am now in the purifying period.

3 To keep vegetarian diet, staying away from any meat -- Today, when we visit some turists spots where Budhism temples played an important role in history, we often find a good eating place where "shohjin" food is served. They were historically those meals served to Budhist monks, but today they are modified for the tastes of tourists. But they are basically free of any meat--animal, or fish.　ex) 京都でおいしい精進料理を食べたよ。 kyoto de oishii shohjin ryohri wo tabeta yo. = I had a really good "shohjin food" in Kyoto.

4 To devote yourself to one thing -- and this is the meaning you've picked up in the dojo of martial arts. This usage is quite common in Today's Japan. School kids participating in judo, kendo, karate, etc would almost always hear their instructors say this word. Coaches of other sports also use this term to the students.　ex.) こら、気を抜くな。しっかり精進しないと強くなれんぞ。 Kora, ki wo nukuna. shikkari shohjin shinaito tsuyoku naren zo. = Don't slacken your concentration. "Shohjin" is the only way that can make you strong.