Dojo Etiquette

The dojo is "the place of the Way" or "the place of enlightenment". Your etiquette reflects your respect for the place, for the Way, and for the people who train there. It also ensures your safety and the safety of your partner when you train.

1. Leave your shoes at the edge of the mat.
2. Bow toward the shomen when you step on to or off the mat.
3. Address the instructor as "sensei" during class.
4. The class begins with a formal seated bow (2 bows, 2 claps and 1 bow) to the shomen and then a bow to sensei.
5. If you are late, formally bow (as above) toward the shomen and wait for sensei's permission to enter the mat.
6. Practice only what the sensei shows you.
7. During weapons training, bow the weapons in before you begin.
8. In the interest of general safety, be aware of the people around you when you are training with weapons.
9. At the end of a practice session, thank your training partner.
10. For your safety, keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed; do not wear any jewelry on the mat.
11. Wear a clean and washed gi (practice uniform). Unwashed gi odor is especially unpleasant for your training partner.

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