Dojo Etiquette

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 ones opponents/partners are essential to safe practice. Please carefully observe the following procedure in any dojo.

• On entering dojo, please rei (bow). This is a sign of respect to the class and training hall.
• On greeting ones sensei (instructor), training partner or other budo-ka (practitioner of martial arts) rei and say "oo's".
• Before entering any dojo or contest area for a competition always rei at the perimeter before advancing into the area, being careful to enter from your own side (aka : Red or ow : Blue ).
• Never walk on any training or contest area whilst wearing shoes.
• Any person who has been drinking alcohol shall not present themselves for training.
• No talking is permitted during training, unless absolutely necessary.
• Members shall do their utmost to carry out the training as laid down by their sensei.
• Students shall make every effort to attend classes on time.
• When asked to line out or called on by the sensei, always run into position.
• As soon as the sensei instructs, students will line out in the appropriate manner, immediately standing to attention in musibi-dachi (heels together, hands by your sides).
• Any person arriving after training has commenced shall execute a full kneeling bow at the edge of the mat facing the direction of the sensei before joining the class.
• Any member leaving the dojo before the class has completed training shall execute a full kneeling bow at the edge of the mat, but only on the sensei's permission.
• When demonstrating for, or with the sensei, or upon receiving instructions from him, students shall acknowledge with a standing bow and say "Oos". Please note the student should always bow to the sensei first, the sensei will acknowledge.
• When training with an opponent, both shall bow simultaneously before and after each section of training.