DOJO RULES & ETIQUETTE

General

  • Be respectful to your fellow classmates and instructors.
  • Please feel free to ask any questions, but please refrain from chatting or mimicking the technique when instructors are teaching or demonstrating.
  • Try to be on-time for the beginning of class. If you arrive to class late, please wait at the edge of the mat until the instructor notices you and invites you to join the class.
  • If you must leave class early, please inform the instructor before class, and signal the instructor at the time you want to leave the mat.
  • If you must leave the mat during class, please ask the instructor for permission, and wait for the instructor to acknowledge you before re-entering the mat.
  • When borrowing class equipment, please be respectful and take good care of it. All borrowed equipment needs to be returned to where it belongs at the end of class.
  • Please refrain from having your back facing the Shinzen directly.
  • Please make sure your uniform is clean and in order.
  • Please avoid wearing strong cologne or perfume.
  • Please help clean the dojo—do not wait to be asked.
  • Always report any injury to the instructor.
  • Never lean on the walls in the dojo, and do not touch the Shinzen or any objects displayed in the dojo space.
  • If you have a cold or flu, please stay home (for your own sake and that of your fellow dojo brothers and sisters).
  • Please do not leave trash anywhere in the dojo except in proper trashcans.
  • Dues must be paid on time.
  • Arguments or loss of temper can result in expulsion from the dojo. Never act in a threatening manner towards another student, instructor, or visitor.
  • Members shall not engage in practices or activities that constitute sexual harassment.
  • Members shall not engage in conduct that is disruptive, or use written or spoken language that is discourteous, offensive, abusive, or discriminatory.
  • Members who violate this code of conduct may, depending on the severity of their misconduct, face suspension or expulsion from the dojo.

Kobudo - Ryushin Shouchi Ryu

  • Bow to the Shinzen (standing) before entering and when leaving the dojo space.
  • Be aware of your surroundings! Make sure you have enough space to swing your sword.
  • While the teacher is demonstrating, please sheath your iaito.
  • When not in use, swords should be placed edge to the wall, tip facing away from the Shinzen.
  • Never step over a sword, bokuto, or jo lying on the floor.
  • Bend down on one knee to pick up a sword, and bow to the Shinzen, presenting your sword, before wearing it.
  • Never drop or bang a weapon on the floor intentionally.

Aikido

  • Bow to the Shinzen (standing) before entering and when leaving the dojo space.
  • Bow to the Shinzen (seated) before entering and when leaving the mat.
  • Please remove all jewellery (watches, necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, piercings) prior to class.
  • Please keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed short.
  • When the teacher demonstrates a technique, stop what you are doing and take a seat in seiza at the edge of the mat, and pay full attention to the demonstration (i.e. do not fix your gi or your hair during this time).
  • If you need to fix your gi, please turn to face the wall (but never the Shinzen) while doing so.
  • If you are familiar with the technique being studied and your partner is not, you may lead them through it, but do not assume the role of the instructor. You are here for practice; do not force your ideas on others.
  • Never step over a sword, bokuto, or jo lying on the floor.
  • Please offer help to remove the mats after class.