Etiquette

Before training

• Silence cell phones
• 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