Dojo Etiquette

Mode of Address

When addressing other people in the dojo, the appropriate formal terms – sensei, sempai, or san- should be used, though in Kodokan we rarely, if ever, use the term sempai. These are:

For Kimo sensei, simply "sensei", not Kimo sensei, Kimo, or "hey you".

For other senior teachers, such as Giles sensei, John Jackson sensei, and Fred sensei: simply "sensei", unless someone senior to them is present, then use their name as well.

For whomever is teaching the class, or if a blackbelt of over sho-dan level is teaching a group- simply sensei, unless their senior is present, and then use their name as well.

For all blackbelts (yudansha), unless you are the same rank, and all kyu ranks senior to you- use the word "sempai" –senior- after their name. (We are less formal, and so usually just use "san".)

Within the yudansha ranks, black belts senior to you are called sempai unless they are teaching the class or group, or are dojo shihan (teachers)- (David and Corey)- in which case they are called sensei. (Again, we usually use san.) Black belts equal or junior to you are called san.

For anyone the same rank or junior, unless they are teaching the class: san.

The simple version: teachers are refered to as --sensei, everyone else as --san.

Remember, when someone is teaching, always listen carefully and try to do the exercise as the teacher is demonstrating it. Doing something else sets a bad example, prevents you from learning the material being presented, and is not very polite

 

Bowing, and Starting and Finishing Class

When starting class, the group first bows to the front of the room, then to the teacher, then to each other. Sometimes this is more complex, with the class also bowing to the other senior instructors, and black belt ranks, but not in Kodokan.

A bow is performed at the beginning and end of a kata, though if a set of a single kata are being performed sometimes one bows only at the beginning of the first and end of the last.

A bow is performed before beginning a paired exercise. This needs to be done only once at the beginning of a set, so that more time is not taken up bowing than training. Another is performed at the end of the exercise.

A bow is performed entering and leaving the dojo, facing the kamidana or front of the room. One is also performed when entering or exiting training for any reason, to the instructor.

When bowing, if standing, one should bend at the waist, not the neck, and look at a point about 3 meters in front of one, on the ground. This means you will still be able to see in front and around you, but you do not bow and remain with head and eyes directed forward- this is rude, and looks funny.

When sitting, first the left foot goes back a bit, then you go down on your left knee. The right knee is brought in, and you sit on your heels. When bowing while seated, first the left hand then the right are brought down in front of the knees, fingers facing each other and palms down on the floor. Incline at the waist, looking at the ground a meter or two in front of you.

When bowing to a senior do not look at his or her face, it is considered rude. When bowing to a junior, you can look at his or her face, but always keep your back and neck straight.

Also- remember that if you arrive late you should quickly stretch and join the group. Working on your own for an extended period is somewhat disruptive, and so can take away from others’ training.

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