The dojo is the place where you practice a Japanese Martial Art. It can be a purpose built space or it can be inside of an existing structure that does other activities; nevertheless before, during and after practice we should strive to treat this place - and the people within - with respect. This small guide aims to improve your understanding of what the rules and etiquette are, and why they are important. Most of the time it is really a logical, common-sense reasoning that drives this rules; in Japan, most of these things come naturally with being Japanese, but abroad sometimes there is a need to explain them better. - Before entering the practice area: remove your shoes/sandals and place them in the proper storage area, if any, or keep them neatly outside in a way that doesn't impede or obstruct the entrance. - As you enter or exit the practice area: bow to the kamiza area of the dojo, recognizable for its Shinto shrine, or pictures of old Masters, or calligraphy important for that peculiar art; often a mix of all of these. The bow should be about 30 degrees. - Inside the practice area, before or after the lesson: don't talk too loudly or too rowdy; silence your phone. If you change clothing, try to do so facing the wall and not other members or the kamiza. Do not eat, unless authorized. Only drink while turned towards the wall and discreetly. - Inside the practice area, during the lesson: don't talk unless the instructor asks you to; do not lean or rest against the wall or - God forbids! - using a sword or a weapon like a cane. Younger students should seat or position themselves nearer to the entrance door than older or more experienced ones. Do not eat or drink during the lesson. If your clothing needs a fix, do so discreetly, sitting and facing the wall in a discreet area of the dojo and only after asking permission to the instructor. Before going anywhere or doing anything outside of the practice (example: use the restroom) ask the instructor first. If arriving late or needing to go away earlier, ask for permission and bow. Names and roles There are plenty of names with which you can address other people or roles in the dojo. A sempai is a student who is senior than you, who are his kohai. A sensei can be the instructor, can be a person with a certain level of experience, or can just be an older professional: for example in Japan even Doctors or Lawyers might be called sensei. Shihan is an older form which is more specifical for a martial arts teacher of a high level, especially in older arts. Uke/tori and motodachi/kakarite are expressions to indicate who is receiving technique and who is executing it. Kancho is the leader of the organization or the Dojo, who might be - or not - also the Sensei; it is more of an administrative position, and it is more or less interchangeable with Dojo-cho. A soke or a soshi is normally the leader of a whole association or organization, either by family inheritance or electively. Renshi, Kyoshi and Hanshi are honorific titles given in some arts to very high level ranked practitioners to indicate their dedication in developing that particular art or to celebrate their achievements and contributions. A kyusha or a mudansha is instead a beginner (holder of a kyu rank) and a yudansha is a more expert practitioner (holder of a dan rank). Remember, when in doubt always listen what terms are used in your dojo and do not be afraid to ask! We currently hold regular Iaido courses in Singapore; if you want to join, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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