Etiquette

Upon entering the dojo

• Remove hats
• Make a small bow towards shomen (shrine) to show respect
• Silence cell phones

Observing a class

• You are welcome to sit and observe classes on one of the seats at the front of the dojo.
• Observe in silence to preserve a focused training atmosphere.
• Minimize use of screens and electronic devices while observing class; if you need to use a device, please step outside.
• Refrain from eating or drinking while others are training.
• Ask before filming anything (video or still). Particularly, we ask people not to film any gradings.
• If you need to use the restroom, remove shoes, wait for a break in the instruction and training resumes, and then bow towards shomen and walk carefully along north wall to restroom (door to left of kamiza). On your way back, again, try to wait for a break in instruction.

Before training

• Remove shoes and store neatly on or near shelves
• Trim nails
• Remove jewelry, including rings and piercings (or tape piercings)
• Bandage open cuts
• Wear a clean, odor-free, perfume-free keikogi
• New students can wear comfortable clothing until they purchase a keikogi

Entering/leaving

• Upon entering and leaving the practice area of the dojo make a standing bow
• Always bow when stepping on or off the mat in the direction of the shomen
• Close the changing room door completely
• Try to be on time, but if you arrive late …
  • Wait until instruction pauses before walking across mat or leaving the changing room
  • Sit in seiza at the edge of the mat at the front of the dojo, wait for a pause in instruction, and say loudly to the instructor, “onegai shimasu”
  • After the instructor gives you permission to enter the mat (“dozo”), bow onto the mat and join training
  • When in doubt, wait for instruction from the instructor in charge of the class

During training

• Seek out guest and senior partners
• Minimize talking and verbal instruction while training (when not instructing)
• If you understand the movement and are working with someone who does not, you may lead that person through it
• Do not lean against wall
• Request permission to leave mat (water, bathroom, etc.)
• Let the instructor know if you have any injuries or limitations prior to training

After training

• Thank your training partners with a bow and say, “domo arigato gozaimashita.” This is the most respectful way of saying thank you
• Help with cleaning after class and before extra training

Schedule