These are rules designed to help with the smooth running of the Dojo. Many of the procedures are common sense, many are just just plain good manners. It is sometimes difficult for Western students to conform to the rule of Dojo as they are found in Okinawa.

Dojo (school) Manners & Rules

· Students should respect each other and the Dojo by observing the following manners and rules:

· Always address your instructor inside and outside the school as Sensei.

· Always show courtesy, politeness, respect, and kindness to all.

· Observe the training schedule by arriving early and being prepared for class.

· If you’re late, change immediately, and then wait for permission from the instructor before entering the training area.

· Shoes should be removed when entering the Dojo and placed neatly in the area provided.

· When entering or leaving the training area, show your respect by bowing.

· Keep your gi clean and neat. Wearing jewelry or hair ornaments is not allowed. Your fingernails and toenails should be kept short to prevent injury to other students and yourself.

· When the instructor calls for training to begin, line up quickly, facing the Shomen (front of the Dojo).

· Bow to the instructor, senior students, and each other with appreciation and respect.

· Training with cuts or an open sore is strictly prohibited unless the abrasions are properly covered. If injured while training, stop immediately and ask permission to obtain first aid supplies.

· When adjusting your clothing or wiping perspiration from your face, always turn away from the instructor.

· During class, Kata should be performed with kime (focused power). If you become tired, rather than proceed weakly, rest for a short period and then continue.

· Never leave the class for water, or early dismissal, without first obtaining permission.

· Listen carefully to the advice and instructions given to you. Don’t forget to thank the instructor and senior student(s) to show that you have heard and understood their comments.

· Sempai (senior students) are responsible for setting the example of cooperation and conduct in the Dojo. Kohai (junior students) should observe closely the actions of the sempai to correctly further their learning.

· Do not talk in class except to ask or answer a question. While observing training, always stand, kneel, or sit in a proper way and do not bother others by talking.

· No sparring is allowed below 3rd kyu rank without permission. Fooling around can result in injuries and is absolutely prohibited.

· Any outside activities (fighting, etc.) that bring discredit to Sensei, the school, Martial arts, or the student are sufficient reason for dismissal. Any incident that occurs should be reported to Sensei immediately.

· If you are injured, it is recommended that you still come to the Dojo and learn by observing training.

· Keep your Dojo Clean.

What is the purpose of bowing?
Why exactly do we bow? The bow is known as rei (pronounced ray) in Japanese. In everyday use, bowing will express greetings, say farewell, pay respects, apologize, show humility, or indicate understanding or acceptance. Bowing in Japan can be somewhat likened to the handshake in the West. We shake hands with complete strangers and dear friends, at meetings to be polite and at funerals to convey condolences, and also at happy times to congratulate. That one action is used for varied reasons and can convey many shades of meaning. The Japanese have taken the practice of bowing much further than many cultures, developing it to a fine art. It is the only acceptable act in many different Japanese social situations. During feudal times failing to bow at the expected time or even bowing improperly to a samurai or lord, could result in an on-the-spot death sentence. In the Asian Martial Arts, regardless of what country we live in, we continue to use the bow. The hierarchical nature of the arts, with seniors and juniors, makes good use of the formality engendered by bowing and showing respect for seniority. But always remember the origins of what you are studying. Bowing is, and has virtually always been, a cultural practice in the Orient. All traditional Martial Arts masters will require you to learn and perform your bows throughout your training.

Ri Tsu Rei

Ri-tsu-rei is the standing bow, and is performed with the arms extended downwards and with the palms sliding down the legs. With fingers together, the hands end up in resting on the legs just above the knees, in front of the body. The body is bent to about a 45 degree angle. The longer the bow is held the more meaning it has. In a normal situation it is held for only two or three seconds. There is also a light, standing, informal bow which is the one you will use the most. The body is bent only to about 20degrees and it is held for only a second or so. Often times, when executing this bow, your hands may be full. The position of the hands is more or less incidental, but it is polite to make an effort to bring them down at least to your sides.

Za Rei

Za-rei is the kneeling bow, and is done while on your knees, sitting directly on your feet. The back is kept straight with eyes forward. Lean forward like a hinge, right hand extending in a circular motion to the floor, followed by the left. The thumbs and first fingers placed properly make a small diamond which you put your forehead into. Hold it appropriately and reverse the procedure, left hand first then right hand last. The left hand is last to go and first to return because it is responsible to protect your sword. When not carrying a sword, both hands may move forward together. Many Martial Arts instructors will say that this bow was used to expose the back of the neck to a sword cut. While dropping your defenses is a common cultural sign of loyalty and trust, evidence of this particular bow from a historical standpoint is actually scarce. Unfortunately, it cannot be confirmed or denied by the historical record.
When executing any bow, do not bounce back up. This is worse than not bowing at all. It leaves the person you were bowing to with no clue as to what meaning you infused into your bow. Your serious intent should be obvious through your bowing technique. So the next time you hear the command; you should be able to bow with proper form inside and out!