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| Nihon Go Shin Kage Ryu Etiquette |
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| Etiquette at Broomfield Dojo |
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Preparing the Dojo
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1. Clean-up
Before class starts, there is usually some sort of dojo-cleaning process or in our the laying of rubber tatami mats, setting up of the Kamiza and the placing of weapons before it. During this time, actively participate to the fullest extent that you can. Do not sit back and be lapse in any way when others are performing these duties which are required by all.
Reason:
It is unreasonable that for you to expect others to practice with you when you are lazy and/or forgetful, if you neglect Dojo Practice it follows that you will neglect aspects of technique when in practice.
2. SPECIAL RULE:
No Shoes whatsoever at any time on the mats, the only exception to this is Rope soled Gong Fu slippers or Tabi socks as used in Iaido or Kendo. Mats may be transported into the Dojo whilst wearing footware, but this should be removed when the mats are being laid out.
The following practise will be observed for all sessions:
All students are to help bring mats into Dojo and after the mats have been brought in. All students will then remove their shoes and place them in the Dojo entrance before laying out the mats.
Reason:
The use of outdoor footware on the mats will tend to shorten their life it also allows for the possibility of hazardous items to get transported to the mat area which can cause injury during training. Dojo footware should be placed outside of the Dojo as it creates a safety hazard in the Dojo.
3. When the Hall becomes the Dojo
When the mats have been laid and the Kamiza has been set up the hall becomes the Dojo. Reason: The Dojo (Way Place) is now set up for serious practice of the art (Jutsu) & way(Do).
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Laying Bokkens at Shrine/Kamiza
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4. About Laying Bokkens, Bokuto’s and Katana’s
It is required practise that all Swords and Sword like weapons, Bokkens, Bokuto and Katana are laid before the Kamiza before practise begins. This may be done after the mats have been laid out. When placing at the Kamiza students should rei.
Shoto’s and Tanto’s may be brought in to the Dojo but must be placed on the side, unless otherwise instructed.
Reason:
In traditional Japanese culture a long sword is always given to the host on entering the building for the purposes of safe keeping. In our case the purpose is to give up the weapon as the essence is Muto (No sword).
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Entering the Dojo
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5. Changing facilities:
All students will be required to change in the changing room to the left of the entrance.
Reason:
The Dojo must be treated as a place for training the body and the mind.
6. Entering and exiting the dojo
Bow, standing at the entrance, facing the dojo or towards the Kamiza/Shrine of the dojo, whenever you are entering or exiting the dojo.
7. Lateness:
First of all, try not to be late. But if you are late, bow in, then quietly kneel near the entrance. Wait until the instructor acknowledges you. Then bow while kneeling, get up, and quickly join the group. If you arrive just as everyone is kneeling during the opening sequence (see below), don't move or make any noise -- just wait until class begins warming up, and bow in as when the instructor acknowledges you.
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Rei or Bowing
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8. Standing bow
Stand with your heels together, feet pointing slightly outward (like a "V"). Keep your knees straight, elbows straight and relaxed, hands open and at the seams of your pants (the outside of your legs), and fingers together. Bend at the waist, about 20 degrees forward. Unbend. The whole bow takes about a breath's length. One variation of teh standing bow used in kempo is with the right hand formed into a fist and the left hand open, as one bows one places the right fist against the palm of the left hand. The standing bow is also to Sensei or a senior dojo after they have given instructions to the group or to an individual. All martial arts training begins and ends with courtesy and it is therefore fitting that trainees bow to each other before and after the practise of techniques.
9. Kneeling (seiza)
Place your left knee on the floor, then right knee.
Sit down on your feet. The big toes of your left and right feet should overlap (either one on top).
Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
Rest your left hand (hand open, fingers together) on your left thigh and your right hand on your right thigh, so that your fingers point inward. Men should have about a fist or two's width between their knees, and women should have their knees together.
10. Bowing in seiza
Slide your left hand from the thigh to the floor immediately in front of the left knee (not too far in front, i.e., your left elbow shouldn't touch the floor). Do the same with your right hand, so that the right hand motion is slightly behind (in time) the left hand motion. Your palms should touch the floor to show deep respect. Bow at the waist, taking a little longer than for a standing bow (forehead comes close to the floor, but does not touch it). Slide your hands back up to their initial position on the thighs, this time with your left hand slightly behind the right hand.
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Beginning and End of sessions:
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All students will sit in Seiza, the following are variations of Dojo rituals before the commencement of training and at the end of the session when training has been completed.
1. Sensei bows to students,
Students bow to Sensei,
Sensei turns to shrine,
Sensei calls Rei,
All bow to shrine,
Sensei calls Mokuso,
All engage in meditation,
Sensei calls Rei as bows to shrine,
All students bow,
Sensei faces students,
Uchi deshi or Most senior grade calls Rei,
All bow to Sensei,
Sensei returns Bow.
2. Sensei bows to shrine and calls Rei,
All bow to Shrine,
Sensei turns to face students,
Sensei may either Rei,
in which case students return bow,
3. or alternatively
Sensei may simply give the command Mokuso which follows from last bow,
All engage in Mokuso,
Uchi Deshi or most Senior Grade calls Rei,
All bow to Sensei
Sensei returns bow.
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If Your Gi comes Adrift during practise.
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If your Gi comes adrift during practise in such a way to make practise difficult you should excuse yourself from who ever you are working with and bow to them, step back, move to edge of mat and assume half kneeling posture whilst correcting your attire.
Returning to mat after correcting Gi, if the technique has changed or if your partner is now working with some one else you are required to be granted permission by Sensei or Uchi Deshi, it is necessary to wait for permission to be granted. During this period one should try to develop Zanshin (Mind through Zazen meditation).
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| Nihon Go Shin Kage Ryu & Hakuda Ryu Kempo Jutsu
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| Essex |
| United Kingdom
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| Sensei983@yahoo.com
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Page Updated Fri Mar 13, 2009 12:08pm EST
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