Here are some simple rules to help guide your way through your martial arts journey.
- Always consider personal hygiene and the state of your uniform before entering the dojo
- When entering or leaving the dojo, face the front of the practice area and bow. We use the bow as an opportunity to remind ourselves to be grateful for this place to train.
- We take off our hats, shoes, and jewelry. We dispose of our food, drinks, chewing gum and stop any other distracting practices that might interfere with our training or others training.
- When we greet a fellow student or an instructor, we greet them with a traditional bow. This is customary in the practice of Japanese Budo. Bowing is also a sign of humility and reminds us that we are involved in a relationship with the people around us.
- Anyone who is not a member of the dojo should be greeted and asked if they have any immediate questions, offered a brochure, and asked to watch a class if they are interested.
- When the class is ready to begin, before the instructor sits, the students line up standing in a straight line. The person to your right should be of equal or higher rank; the person to your left, equal or lower rank.
- If you come to class late, change into your gi and when you enter the mat, kneel down and bow twice. Loudly say “Oma Itei Shimasu” (pronounced ‘O MA EE TAY SHE MAS’), meaning may I please train even though I am late for class. Await instructions from Sensei.
- When corrected by the instructor, bow and say either “Osu’, or ‘Hai’ (‘Thank you’ or ‘Yes’)
- Always begin and end your training by bowing to your partner and saying ‘domo’ (Thank you)
- Never shout, curse or become angry in the dojo. If there is a disagreement, ask the instructor to settle the issue.
- Notify the instructor immediately of any accident or injury.
- Ours is a serious study, so no kicking, wrestling or play is allowed in the dojo. Sitting is permitted in Seiza (kneeling) or Hanza (cross legged) positions only. There is no laying around on the tatami or dojo floor.
- When you have a question during class, please raise your hand and await for the instructor to address you, then ask your question.
- When in class you refer to your instructor as ‘Sensei’, which literally means ‘honourable teacher’. The respect and etiquette you demonstrate to each other and your Sensei is based on the hierarchy system of Bushido.
- Finally, other important aspects of etiquette deal with more commonplace concerns. Please remember to pay your dues on time. It is a sign of disrespect if the instructor has to follow up on monthly fees.