Practicing Kendo
Observing Practice
You are welcome to sit and watch a class at any time, but the following rules of etiquette must be followed.
Sit respectfully, never with legs propped up on the furniture or in a reclining position.
Do not talk to anyone while they are on the mat and class is in progress.
Do not talk or walk around while the instructor is demonstrating or during the opening and closing ceremony.
It is necessary to respect the way in which the instructor of the class directs the training. Receive instruction and carry out suggestions for training sincerely and to the best of your ability. There is no room for argument on the mat.
If an act causing injury to person or property occurs on the dojo floor the individual causing such injury or damage is liable to the injured party for that damage. Therefore, the student must at all times be aware of his surroundings and make sure that all equipment is in good working order.
All katanas used for training must be inspected and approved by the instructor prior to use in the dojo.
A student will not draw a katana from the saya when he/she is not on the training floor unless otherwise allowed by an instructor.
The utmost respect for fellow students must be observed at all times.
Tameshigiri is not to be performed without permission and guidance of an instructor.
Katanas must be kept inside a sword bag or other form of conveyance when being transported to and from, or stored at the dojo.
There will be no conflicts of ego on the mat. You are on the mat to train and purify your aggressive reactions and embody the spirit of the samurai by discovering your social responsibility.
Although there seem to be many forms of etiquette to remember, they will come naturally as you continue to train. Please do not resent it if you are corrected on a point of etiquette for each one is important to your safety and to the learning experience.
Proper Dojo Etiquette
Upon entering and leaving the practice area of the dojo make a standing bow.
Always bow when stepping on or off the mat in the direction of the shomen.
Respect your training tools. Gi should be clean and mended. Weapons should be in good condition and in their proper place when not in use.
If a piece of equipment becomes loose or untied, stop practice and remedy the situation while your partner waits. Bow to your partner and resume practice.
Generally, beginners and kendoka of lower rank should sit opposite and facing yudansha (higher ranked grades) or to their left.
When kenshi are wearing bogu (fencing equipment) and are in a sitting on the dojo floor, it is customary to walk behind them. If this cannot be done, extend your right hand and bow slightly as you pass.
Never step over someone else’s katana or practice weapons.
Never use or draw, or touch someone else’s katana or iaito.
A few minutes before class time you should be warmed up and formally seated in quiet meditation to rid your mind of the days problems and prepare for study.
It is important to be on time for practice and participate in the opening ceremony. If you are unavoidably late you should wait, formally seated beside the mat until the instructor signals his or her permission for you to join the class. Quietly perform a simple seated bow as you get on the mat.
The only proper way to sit on the mat is in seiza (formal sitting position). If you have a knee injury you may sit cross-legged, but never with legs outstretched, never reclining, and never leaning against walls or posts.
Do not leave the mat during class except in the case of injury or illness.
During class when the instructor demonstrates a technique for practice, sit quietly and attentively in seiza. After the demonstration bow to the instructor, then to a partner and immediately begin to practice.
If it is necessary to ask a question of the instructor you should go to him or her and bow respectfully (standing bow). Never call the instructor over to you.
Respect those more experienced. Never argue about technique.
Respect those less experienced. Do not pressure your ideas on others.
If you understand the movement and are working with someone who does not, you may lead that person through it. Do not attempt to correct or instruct your training partner unless you are authorized to do so.
Keep talking on the mat to an absolute minimum.
No eating, drinking, smoking or gum chewing on or off the mat during practice.
No jewellery should be worn during practice, including rings and pierced earrings.
Never drink alcoholic beverages while still wearing practice gi.