Dojo Etiquette and Customs

 

Proper manners and the "Code of Conduct" of the Hontoryu must be obeyed while following the instructions of one's teacher.

 

Where we are on our journey is reflected by where we stand in the dojo. Regardless of where you stand, high or low, all students arrive there the same way – through the front door. And how you enter it is as important as what you do when you’re on the mat. Training doesn’t begin when sensei calls the class to order. It doesn’t begin when you’re in your gi and on the mat. It is daily, in every moment, but more to the point, it’s on the way to the dojo. And you should arrive there early.

As we head to the dojo our minds should be heading there as well, putting us in the mind of what we are going there for. Begin setting the rest of the day aside. Pulling up outside with speakers blaring and tires squealing is not appropriate. Approaching the dojo door with raised voices, stumbling through laughing and giggling is no sign of maturity, and should be highly discouraged. Of course, we want your time in the dojo to be pleasant, even joyous. But you never know what is going on inside, and what you are possibly disrupting.

Etiquette is about respect, for ourselves and others.

Enter the dojo with a bow. Remove your shoes and place them in the proper location. Socks belong with your clothes, not your shoes (which you will appreciate when on cold cement floors in the dead of winter). Zori (sandals), socks and bare feet are the only acceptable footwear in the dojo. More than tradition, it helps keep the dojo clean. After you change your clothes should be put away, or set aside in a tidy manner, not strewn about the changing area. Others use this space and should not have to kick aside or work around your mess.

 

Turn your cellphone off!

 

Once you are dressed properly, step onto the mat and go to your appropriate part of the dojo. Stretch and warm-up, focus your mind on the training to come. Keep conversations to a minimum. This is the time to work on your ukemi. If possible, find a fellow student of equal or higher rank that is willing to work with you on techniques you are shaky on. Use the time to meditate, and be aware of others that may be doing so if you must have a conversation with someone. But above all, be aware of the time and sensei; be ready for the start of class.

Never talk while sensei is talking. It’s rude and distracting both to sensei, but also to the other students.

Before, during and after class never sit with your back to O-Sensei or with your feet stretched out to the kamidana. This is disrespectful on multiple levels. You are in a dojo, not your living room. Always remember that, even if you don’t care for all the spiritual connotations and etiquette, others in the dojo do. And you have to work with them.

 

 

Hygiene

 

Long hair should be kept from the face, and pulled back.

Keep your finger & toenails trimmed and clean.

Remove all jewellery and watches. Even wedding bands.

Be clean and presentable. Use deodorant and be sure your hands and feet, in particular, are clean.

Your gi, or workout clothes if you don’t have a gi, should be clean and presentable.

Don't wear a Hachi maki (headband) while bowing. Long hair should be restrained with hair ties or scrunchie.

 

 

Food

No chewing gum, food, or smoking in the dojo. Water and "sport" drinks are exceptions.

It is advised that you do NOT eat a large meal before a class. If you are fasting, it is ill-advised to workout in class. If you are hungry, a light meal or snack is best. This is especially true in the summer or during seminars. Large meals can cause cramping and water loss as your digestive system tries to work while you are highly active. Drink sufficient water before and after class.