Dojo Etiquette

1. Entering the Dojo.

Have your keikogi on and obi tied properly. Hakama's if worn, must also be properly and securely done. Street clothing, etc. must be folded and neatly put away. Valuables, etc. must also be put in a safe place. If no secure changing room facilities are available kit bags may be taken into the dojo and placed in an orderly fashion out of harm's way. Changing in the dojo is allowed only if there is no other place to change.

On entering the dojo perform a bow towards Kamiza where a photograph of O'Sensei will be displayed and then to the sensei.

It is socially acceptable to greet your fellow students traditionally.

2. In the Dojo

A dojo is a sacred place where students come to train - but to seek peace, and contemplate. It is disrespectful to indulge in idle chatter or to be distracting in any manner. Under no circumstances must one interrupt another performing either on the tatami or off. Running, shouting, or engaging in any activity contrary to the dojo's proper use by anyone is strictly prohibited.

All must help to prepare the dojo for practice Floors must be cleaned before the tatami is laid. It is up to the higher ranks, including Yudansho, to set examples of humility and discipline in performing these preparatory chores.

Students who enter the dojo early do so to train, not to treat it as a place of social gathering, and certainly must not deter others from training.

3. Starting class

Students must ensure that they are ready to start at the appointed time. If students are already on the tatami they must line up in seiza facing Kamiza in grade order when the sensei or the appointed teacher enters. The Sempai or highest rank will ensure all members are ready to start.

After a period of Mokso, the Sensei will lead the rei towards Kamiza. The sensei will then rei to the class who will return the Sensei's rei with the words, "0 Negaishimas Sensei". Opening ceremonies may differ in other dojos.

If, for some reason, the Sensei is late or has instructed the class to begin without him then it is up to the highest grade present to pause the class and perform a tachi rei when the Sensei does step on the tatami. Tachi rei may also be called, to acknowledge a visitor of rank or someone of a special position. Rei is Seiza is more formal. 

4. During class

Always rei to your old and the new partner. If the teacher should teach you or your partner individually, it is proper to rei afterward. While the teacher is working with your partner, go into seiza. Always thank your teacher when you rei.

Keep your keikogi in place during practice at all times. 

Never sit with your back to Kamiza or O'Sensei's picture.

Never talk during practice even to "help", especially while the sensei is on the mat. If someone does require assistance then keep all speech to a minimum, otherwise call the sensei for advice. It is well for individuals to want to help but they must be sure that they are fulfilling the sensei's requirements otherwise they could appear confusing to their partners.

Do not, allow, personal problems to interfere with your training, but be prepared to show compassion to those who require it. Prepared to give rather than take!

Never talk or deal with with others who are not on the tatami. Always ask for sensei's permission before going off the tatami to deal with any problems, however minor.

Never question the sensei at any time or show any form of negativeness no matter how strongly you may feel. Senseis are human and are capable of making errors just as anyone else but it is disrespectful to appear challenging or to confront them on the mat.

The sensei will treat each student as he feels fit, for the benefit, of the student and the group. The sensei will ensure; that there is no favoritism or victimization but will rely on the student's dedication, commitment, and self-discipline.

Students who have suffered injuries must make it known to their partners. These injuries must not cause their partner's anxiety or encroach on their performance. Students must accept their limitations. Each individual must be given support to train within their limits while injured. Informing; the Sensei in the first instant. 

Higher ranks must be prepared to spend equal, if not more time with lower grades even though they might find them restrictive.

Higher ranks must be prepared to accept new challenges and not become complacent especially when working or dealing with kyu grades who will not have the same understanding of the art as them. Higher ranks have a responsibility, to the sensei to show strength, and loyalty while displaying a high level of commitment no matter what is asked of them. Higher ranks must be careful not to let their rank become a status symbol and pass judgment on others - it is the sensei's responsibility to decide what is best.

Never. under any circumstances walk past the immediate front of Kamiza no matter what rank the student might be. If it is unavoidable then always rei to Kamiza.

Weapons, even if not used must not be placed where they are liable to be damaged or to cause injury.

Never use or remove any "weapon" not belonging to you without the owner's permission.

Always perform the required etiquette when using weapons.

Drinking, smoking, or eating in any form or manner is strictly prohibited. This applies to those on the tatami and to those off, including visitors.

5. Coming late or leaving class early

Always wait - before entering or leaving the dojo, until the sensei stops demonstrating. If late for class, wait by the side of the tatami until - acknowledged by the sensei. (The sensei can keep the student waiting till the end, or immediately invite him or her on!). Once acknowledged - perform a normal rei to Sensei. If a student has to leave the mat early, he must receive the sensei's permission before doing so, performing seiza rei at the edge of the tatami.

Anyone not wishing to train for whatever reason may enter the dojo to watch but must rei to the sensei and have his permission to remain after giving their reasons for not training. It is a courtesy to rei to the teacher before leaving.

6. Finishing Class

When indicated by the sensei, line up in a straight line, as in the start of the class. The sensei then leaves the tatami. When the students rei to the sensei it is polite to say "Domo arigato gozamashita sensei" It is also considered polite to thank your partners.

7. Clearing up

Again it is the responsibility of all, high and low rank to put the tatami away and generally make sure the dojo is left clean and tidy. No one is excused from these chores by disappearing even for a drink. Nor should they take their time folding their Hakama/Gis as they are folded on the mats. Higher ranks should remain back to make sure the dojo is left in a manner that will not embarrass the sensei or the dojo and not pull "rank" on the lower grades in any manner.

The hall remains a dojo even after the Kamiza has been taken down or closed but students can relax a bit without abusing the spirit that it represents.

8. Leaving the dojo.

Perform kneeling and standing rei's similarly; as when entering the dojo but in reverse order.

9. Dojo fees

Dojo fees must be paid on time either before class or as expected by the dojo. Different dojos have different ways of implementing how fees are paid.

10. Care of keikogi.

Wash your keikogi at least once a week or before it reaches a "grubby" stage and keep it in a good state of repair. Keikogis must be folded and stored properly.

11. Personal hygiene.

You must be bodily clean with finger and toe nails kept short. Long hair should be tied back and all jewelry removed. If rings etc., cannot be removed they must be taped to prevent injury.

Zori's or flip-flop type slippers must be worn, at all times while off the tatami. Trainers and fashion footwear are not practical to wear to the tatami.

Socks or tabi must be worn on the tatami if individuals have anti-social or contagious foot problems. Students must inform the sensei of anything that might affect others who use the dojo.

12. And finally...

These rules are there to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the dojo. It is in the interest of all to abide by these regulations to maintain team spirit and traditional values. Some may find certain segments hard to follow or understand but have to accept them as part of the discipline of the art. Individual "needs" are to be taken into consideration within reason, providing the principles of the dojo are not jeopardized.

All members will have the responsibility of helping newcomers to settle in. Someone should take the responsibility of explaining the above rules but the experienced members must ensure that all are aware of the expectations and requirements of the dojo to make newcomers feel at ease.

No individual is above these rules and ignorance is no excuse, no matter, what rank they hold. Only the senior sensei has the right and responsibility to effect any changes concerning the dojo.