zanshin - 'remaining mind; a state of awareness; relaxed alertness'
Good
Dojo etiquette is essential for the smooth running of the class and also
promotes respect and discipline.
Students must always arrive, dressed and ready to train, at least 5 minutes
BEFORE the class starts. If you are unavoidably late for the 'bow-on':
- Bow to enter the Dojo.
- Kneel at the Dojo entrance and recite the Dojo-kun in your mind.
- Perform the 'bow-on' sequence.
- Stand, then bow (Tachi-rei or Standing Bow) towards the Sensei.
- Wait for the Sensei to acknowledge your presence BEFORE joining the class.
Always bow upon:
- Entering and leaving the Dojo.
- Before and after addressing your Sensei, or if your Sensei is addressing you.
- Before and after performing various techniques with each other.
If the Sensei is not present, the Sempai (the most senior of the class) will start the class. All students must follow the Sempai as though he were the Sensei.
You must inform your Sensei/Sempai of any kind of medical condition or injury - a student may be advised that a doctor's advice may be required prior to further training.
During the session, students must work with an attitude of seriousness and complete concentration. Laughing and talking cannot be permitted. Silence and seriousness during the session are the two rules that must be followed if a high level of training is to be sustained.
Unless training has commenced, all students must bow to Yudansha upon their arrival at the Dojo.
Rapid movement is an essential part of the training, even as it pertains to lining up on command. This habit of moving quickly, without wasted effort, will also help keep the class working smoothly.
When not training (for example, during breaks) students must sit cross-legged against the wall in the Shimoza (lower-house) area of the Dojo, or in designated resting areas.
You must always wear a clean and pressed white Gi. Badges (association, club) must be worn on the left-side of your Gi (chest, arm). Other badges (for example country representation badges) may be worn on the right sleeve (these are only issued and supplied by your Sensei).
Only females and students with special medical conditions may be permitted to wear a t-shirt (white) under their Gi top.
No student should leave the Dojo during the session unless he has prior permission from a Sensei or Sempai to do so - this is for reasons of good etiquette as well as Health and Safety.