Reigi (Etiquette)

·      Proper observance of etiquette is as much a part of your training as is learning techniques. In many cases observing proper etiquette requires one to set aside their own pride or comfort. To change one's self for the better takes continued considerable effort. When you join an organization or a Dojo, you must put aside what you think you know in order to acquire what the instructor has to offer. You just might become a better person.

·      Bowing is the traditional Japanese way of showing respect, not subservience. There are no religious connotations to bowing. Shinto, Taoist, and to a lesser extent, Buddhist, ideologies that influence all Japanese arts do not conflict with Christian cannon. Right thinking, right living and right actions are part in parcel to all the world's religions. When entering or leaving the dojo, it is proper to bow in the direction of Shinza (Kamiza), or the front of the dojo (North). When entering the mat or training area, bow again. When asking a question of your instructor, bow. When training with a partner (new) bow and utter "onegaishimasu". When through working with a partner bow to them again. The Kohai bows first, stays down longer, and comes up last. The sensei / senpai bows second, shallower, and comes up first. Learn the opening and closing salutations; you never know when you might need them. When in doubt, bow!

·      Be on time for class. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to stretch out and warm up. Students should be lined up and/or seated in sazen approximately 1-3 minutes before the official start of class. The highest ranking student will line up to the right side first, newest student to far left. Students face north. If you do happen to arrive late, sit quietly in sazen on the edge of the dojo until the instructor grants you permission to join class. Don't ever be late unless prior authorization has been granted. Always answer energetically with ‘Hai!' or Iie! (Yes! or No!) Never walk slovenly on the mat. Hold head high with vigor in your hairline.

·      If you should have to leave the dojo for any reason during class, approach the instructor and ask permission. If you know prior to class let the instructor know and seek prior permission. You will never have another opportunity to learn that which the instructor imparts today. You will never have another opportunity to train your muscle memory with what you could have practiced today. Skill comes through repetition. Understanding comes from introspection.

·      Avoid sitting in the dojo with your back to shomen (front of the Dojo). Do not lean against the walls or sit with your legs stretched out (unless told to stretch). Do not speak of things non-related to Bugei (martial arts) unless requested by instructor. Do not talk among students during instruction. If you need help, stand quietly at attention, with raised hand, and wait for sempai/sensei to come over and help you. Unless you are a Sensei, do not offer technical advice to others.

·      Remove watches, rings, earrings, and other jewellery before practice as they may catch your partner's hair, skin, or clothing and cause injury to oneself or one's partner.

·       Do not bring food, gum, or beverages into the dojo (bottled water is ok).

·       Please keep your fingernails (and especially one's toenails) clean and cut short. Feet must be clean and odor free. Hair should be clean and neat. Long hair should be secured up, and out of face. Keep your training uniform clean, in good shape, and free of offensive odor. Worn spots are fine, in keeping with Japanese aesthetics. One patch on left breast for school, and Kanji on the lower lapel only. Kanji on Hakama is ok on right left side below koshita. Never wear obi  (belt) except inside dojo. Never touch another's obi (or weapons) unless in the course of a technique. No shoes in the dojo. Geta / slippers, (with or without tabi) are acceptable if outdoors. On grass barefoot or tabi is acceptable. White dogi is preferable, black is acceptable. A t-shirt, matching uwagi, (training top) underneath is optional for men and suggested for women. If your physique suggests it, wear t-shirt under uwagi. Use wash cloth (kept inside of uwagi) for perspiration. Keep sleeves rolled up and pants hemmed as necessary. Indigo or black hakama is acceptable when appropriate. Under no circumstance should one ever wear an shin budo obi on the outside of a hakama - a major faux paux. Judo, Aikido, indigo Kendo, black or white karate uwagi is acceptable with hakama. Mixed colors of black and white (black pants, white top and vice-versa, for Karate class is acceptable. White uwagi for Aikido mudansha is preferred. White uwagi for Aikido yudansha is preferred but not required. Existing rank in another school should be brought to sensei's attention prior to wearing another school's belt. When in doubt the respectful thing is to wear a shirobi (white belt). The IUSB Nihon Bugei no Kyoyo Kai recognizes all legitimate rank. If you have a training uniform already, by all means wear it and don't purchase another one to meet our standards.

·      Carry out the commands of the instructor promptly. Do not keep the rest of the class waiting for you. Always train with mental focus and maximum effort. Never try a technique with speed until it is understood thoroughly. Never throw a partner unless they indicate that they can properly and safely receive ukemi (falling). The senior student should always slow down for the junior student.

·      Do not engage in rough-housing or needless contests of strength during class. Exhibitions of strength, advanced skill, bullying, etc, will be met with ittaitakusan. Never take advantage of another just because you can. Do not use excessive strength to intimidate your partner or feed your own ego. Do unto others as you would have sensei do unto you.

·      When applicable, please pay your kessha (membership dues) promptly. If, for any reason, you are unable to pay your dues on time, talk with the person in charge of dues collection. Sometimes special rates are available for those experiencing financial hardship. All donations are to be made in envelope or folded paper. If you desire to bring a guest (either to watch or train) be sure to get Sensei's permission prior to arrival. Remember, you cannot pay for knowledge. You cannot put a price on generations of experience passed down from Sensei to student. Knowledge is offered free to worthy students. Any donations are a sign of gratitude and to help offset organizational costs.

·      Change your clothes only in designated areas. Wear dogi to class (sans obi) if there is no changing room available. Most often students/ instructors wear zubon (pants) and t-shirt to Dojo and don the uwagi/obi (jacket/belt) prior to class.

·      Remember that you are in class to learn, and not to gratify your ego. An attitude of receptivity humility is best for learning new things. When watching the technical demonstration, focus on the footwork first. Feel free to ask for additional demonstrations. Any sensei worth his obi will be happy to repeat the technical demonstration slowly and numerous times. If your initial attitude is I know this, or, we do something like this already you will miss the opportunity to learn the myo (subtle nuances or secrets) that make our style and training different than what your used too. Keep what you've already learned, learn ours, and add them together. Train long and hard, but remember, five first degree black belts is like obtaining five undergraduate degrees, a Masters level or PHD will always have greater depth and breadth of understanding.

·       It is considered polite to bow upon receiving assistance or correction from the instructor. ‘‘Domo Arigato Gozaimasu' when completed along with another bow. Onegaishimasu' when receiving ukemi (receiving the technique, often resulting in being thrown) for a Sensei or Senpai, Never turn your back to your Sensei, walk backwards when leaving their presence. 

·       During class, if the instructor is assisting a group in your vicinity, it is frequently considered appropriate to suspend your own training so that the instructor has adequate room to demonstrate. Watch what the sensei is showing the others, it may help you also. Always be aware of your surroundings so that other class members will never be inconvenience by your movements. Always be aware of where you are throwing a partner and if there is adequate space to roll, or fall. Train with effort, sincerity, humility, patience and safety. Never walk in front of other students without "sumimasen" and bow.

·      Make sure all weapons are in good working order, and oil wood weapons regularly. Inspect weapons for damage before and after each class. Use only weapons approved by sensei in class. Never use Shinken (sharpened blade) at home or away from Dojo. Only use Shinken with Sensei's permission. Wooden weapons are REAL weapons, not toys 

·        Never touch or use another person's weapon without their expressed permission. Each weapon, through years of dedicated training, is imbued with the spirit of the owner. When your sensei borrows your weapon, he/she is imparting generations of experience into it.  

·      When you hear the term "sei retsu", line up! When you hear "YAME!" stop what you are doing immediately. 

·      Never share what you have learned outside of your immediate family without sensei's permission. 

·       Never engage is fighting outside the dojo unless no other option is available for self defence. All competitions must be approved prior to participating. Remember that at all times you are ambassadors representing yourself, your club, your sensei, your style and martial arts in general, to the unknowing public. Be an ambassador of good will..

·       All students may train at other Dojo, but try to keep techniques separate.  

·      This is a training club, not a social club. Personal relationships or flirting in class is frowned upon. Any dating or personal relationships must remain outside of the dojo.

 Do not disrespect the Dojo by offering other students unwanted attention. Being aware of the feelings of an enemy is paramount to proper defense. Being aware of the feelings of fellow classmates is just good manners.