Etiquette

A couple of notes...

• Always be grateful for any knowledge your sensei gives you. Arigato gozai mashita.
• Never be arrogant, even if you're shodan and the person you're speaking to is white belt. And when you're in the presence of a master, you should want to be corrected in your technique -- if you're arrogant, or not serious, they'll just nod and smile, and won't correct you.
• How to bow: basically, put your hands flat against the sides of your thighs, and bow. In certain contexts, at the same time say "osu" for respect. I don't think it matters whether your hands slide down your thighs as you bow, or whether you keep them in place. You can also shake hands and bow at the same time. The lower you bow, the more polite, and you should at least match the depth of the other person's bow; at times, it almost seems to me to be a battle of politeness.
• In general, you should bow when you enter and leave the dojo. Precisely what the etiquette is varies from dojo to dojo. In some places, all you need do is face the shrine and bow. In others, you're expected to get down on your knees and bow, and say a loud "Kombanwa" to everyone in the room.
• After you enter the room, go to greet your sensei. And bid your sensei farewell before you leave.
• Don't readjust your clothing during exercises. If your pants fall down, tough luck.
• When readjusting your belt or clothing, turn around.
• Don't stand with your hands on your waist. Hands clasped in front of you is polite.
• Junior belts should move to seniors.
• Always bow before beginning exercise with a partner and always thank your partner afterwards.
• Never whistle.
• When kneeling, women may keep their legs together (kimono, you see), but men should keep legs apart.
• It may be that you're expected to have short and clear, military-like responses. Do you understand? Hai!...