Dojo Etiquette

Discipline in the dojo is of paramount importance, dojo etiquette is a code of conduct essential to the proper practice of the Japanese martial arts. Without it the practice becomes meaningless.

Self discipline, mutual trust and respect for one’s opponents are essential to safe practice, please carefully observe the following procedure in the dojo

1 On entering the dojo, bow (rei)

2 On greeting one’s sensei (instructor), training partner or other students, bow and say “oo’s”

3 Students must keep their bodies clean, nails short, gis (karate suit) should be clean and well pressed.
Anyone who wants a drink during class should bring one with them.
No jewellery (earrings, rings etc.) shall be worn during the class. If possible leave jewellery at home.

4 No talking is permitted during training, unless absolutely necessary.

5 Members shall do their utmost to carry out the training as laid down by their sensei.

6 Never lean against walls or sprawl about the dojo floor. Always sit upright (cross-legged or seiza). If
you are waiting your turn with a partner, do not sit or stand but train in a similar manner to the rest of
the class.

7 Students shall make every effort to attend class on time.

8 When asked to ‘line -out’ or called on by the sensei, always run into position.

9 As son as the sensei enters the dojo, students will line out in the appropriate manner immediately, standing in musibi dachi (heels together, hands by your sides). The senior grade present in the body
of the class shall, as soon as everyone is in position, call “SEIZA”. The class shall kneel in unison, first on the left knee, keeping the back straight, then on the right knee, and finally sitting back on the heels
with the palms of the hands resting on the upper thighs, fingers pointing upwards.
On the command “MOKSO” close the eyes and the students will compose themselves for training.
On the command “YAMME” the eyes are opened.
On the command “REI” the class shall place their hands on the floor, palms down, and bow for approximately 2 seconds. They shall not raise their heads before the sensei, as this is a breach of
etiquette.

10 Any person arriving after training has commenced shall execute a full kneeling bow at the edge of the mat, facing in the direction of the sensei, before joining the class. Any member leaving the dojo before the class has completed training shall execute a full bow at the edge of the mat, but only on the sensei’s permission.

11 When demonstration for, or with the sensei or upon receiving instructions from him students will acknowledge with a standing bow and “oo’s”. Please note the student should always bow to the sensei first, the sensei will acknowledge. Also when training with an opponent both shall bow simultaneously before and after each session of training.

Students are advised that we train twice a week.
Those who do not train twice a week when possible or compile enough attendances will not be eligible to sit a grading.

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