Dojo Etiquette

Here are the simple manners which should be shown by all in the dojo:

Always bow respectfully upon entering the doorway of the dojo. This is called Ritsu-rei and shows deep respect for the teaching as well as the seriousness of your study.

On entering the dojo, wait inside the doorway for Sensei to acknowledge you with a mutual bow. It is polite to also bow to the senior instructors.

Be aware of the Kamiza, be respectful to the past masters. 

Try to arrive to class 10 minutes early so that you have time to change to be ready for the start.  If you do arrive late, enter the dojo and bow,  stand quietly or kneel in seiza on the sideline and wait for the sensei to acknowledge you and invite you to join the practice. Bow to the sensei and join the class.

Be sure to mention to Sensei any injury or difficulty in movement which may affect your practice. Do not attend the class with communicable sickness for example flu, covid, norovirus etc.  Advise Sensei if you need to leave early.

Remove jewelry, watches, earrings, etc. prior to training to avoid injury to yourself and others. It goes without saying that good personal hygiene is required as you may be in close proximity to another student or your instructor.

When the Sensei starts the class, take your position as quick as possible. The class will formally start in a line up. The most senior grade will set the line to the right of Sensei, and everyone else will line up to their left, by grade order and if more than one row, the same principle  in the rows behind with the senior grade on the right . If two students have the same grade, the student who held the grade earlier and/or holds title is the senior. It is important to be standing with your feet alongside the senior grade not in front and in seiza with your knees alongside not in front of the senior grade. 

It is important to be aware of space around you, do not line up too closely or push anyone out of place at the start or during practice. It is better to take a place further back than to push in. During practice be alert to those near you, again do not assume to make any fellow students move for you, it is better to be courteous and allow room even if you need to move or wait yourself.

When Sensei is teaching listen attentively,  if you are unsure of what you are required to do, raise your hand and ask. It is for your and your fellow student safety to ask rather than risk injury. Follow instructions given quickly and respectfully. 

When asked by Sensei you may assist another student with their practice.  Always wait for direction from Sensei before-hand.

Ensure you only practice techniques that have been shown. This is for safety purposes.

If you need to leave the practice area raise your hand and ask politely, this includes if you need water or are feeling poorly. Move quickly to the side or rear of the dojo. Ask an instructor for help if you need.

Maintaining an attitude appropriate for practice is mandatory. Everybody should work hard and give their best. Learning how to maintain focus is also part of training. 

When Sensei is showing a technique or if you are waiting for others to finish their exercise, always observe, this is also a great way to learn.

Students should try not to distract themselves or others from the seriousness that training deserves. Train with intensity but without anger or hostility. 

Remember when practicing with a partner to show respect. The training should be mutual not competitive. Bullying will not be tolerated.

Be aware of your fellow students at all times. Be courteous, be considerate to anyone with disability or difficulty.

Avoid walking in front of other students or the Sensei, go behind them as much as possible. If you can't, bow before passing in front of them. 

Bow when entering or leaving the dojo, at the beginning and the end of class, before and after practice with a partner, before and after performing a kata, and when greeting or thanking the instructors. 

There is no place for Ego in the Dojo.