Dojo Etiquette
A. For Visitors to Heiwa-Ryu
The Dojo is the place where we cleanse and enrich our minds and bodies. Such a place offers effective use only when it is filled with feelings of respect, gratitude, right attitude, and positive mutual support. When you come into the Dojo, you will notice that everyone works very hard and is sincere in maintaining these feelings. Any feelings to the contrary should be left outside the Dojo. Following traditional forms of etiquette in the Dojo is an essential aspect of our training and should be practiced with sincerity by both visitors and by students.

The following are a few simple rules that allow us to train together in the spirit of Budo:

BOWING - Bowing is an appropriate way of showing respect, gratitude and humility, while at the same time placing one's mind in a state of non-dissension, which is necessary for proper training.

When To Bow - Please bow when entering and leaving the Dojo. This is a gesture of respect for the Dojo and prepares your mind for practice.

Sitting - When observing class as a visitor, please come in, bow, and sit down. While seated, please sit with your feet on the ground, knees together, and your hands folded in your lap or resting on your thighs. Please do not read or listen to ear phones while class is in session; should you wish to take notes, please do.

Talking - There is no talking at this time - such activity would distract the class.

There is no video-taping, photographs, or recordings allowed while class is in session.

Respect for the Flag / Class - When the class stands to pay respect to our country's flag, please stand and bow and please follow the lead instructor's directions.

At the end of class, please stand, move to an exit, bow to the center of the Dojo, and then exit. If you would like to meet one of the instructors and ask a question, please come forward, wait for a break in the conversation, and introduce yourself.

Thanks for coming and thank you for respecting our place and space.


For Students of Heiwa-Ryu

The Dojo is the place where we as an extended family come to meet together to support and encourage each other. We come to cleanse and enrich our minds and bodies.

Such a place offers effective use only when it is filled with feelings of respect, gratitude, right attitude, and positive mutual support. When you come into the Dojo, you will notice that everyone works very hard and is sincere in maintaining these feelings. Any feelings to the contrary should be left outside the Dojo.

Following traditional forms of etiquette in the Dojo is an essential aspect of our training and should be practiced with sincerity by both visitors and by students.

The following are a few simple rules which allow us to train together in the spirit of Budo:

Rules - Bowing - Bowing is an appropriate way of showing respect, gratitude and humility, while at the same time placing one's mind in a state of non-dissension, which is necessary for proper training.

When To Bow - Please bow when entering and leaving the Dojo. This is a gesture of respect for the Dojo and prepares your mind for practice.

Bow toward the shomen (front) each time you step on or off the mat. It should be understood that this is not a gesture of worship, but a polite and respectful acknowledgment of the mat space.

Bow before and after working with a partner, saying, "Osu" to begin and either "Osu" or "thank you" when finished.

Etiquette
The instructor is treated with respect at all times.

The instructor is referred to as "Sensei" at all times.

Never interrupt the class to question or comment in an unnecessary manner. If you must ask a question, wait until an appropriate moment.

Do not leave the mat during class without first obtaining the permission of the instructor.

There should never be a conversation of any kind while the instructor is demonstrating. When training with a partner speak only as is absolutely necessary.

When the instructor is demonstrating or lecturing the class, either remain in stance or stand quietly with hands at your sides or perform "Dancing Bear." Stretching, standing with hands on the hips or with hands tucked in the belt are signs of disrespect to the instructor.

If you are in the Dojo, but not on the mat, respect the teaching, stay quiet, and pay attention. No reading, guests should also be informed of this policy.

Never argue about a technique. If there is a problem that cannot be resolved, ask the instructor for help.

Never interrupt another student's training to ask assistance, please wait until the instructor is available to help.

When receiving personal instruction, remain quiet until the instructor has completed his explanation. Then bow.

It is inappropriate for a student (including black belts) to offer instruction, when not formally teaching the class, unless specifically requested to assist by the instructor. This is an essential point of your personal development and should be followed carefully - particularly among those who may teach or assist in other classes.

When an instructor is teaching a point, do not attempt to move on to the next point, thinking you know what it is.

Never compare one instructor to another. Every Sensei has something unique to share with you. Your job is to discover it.

It is important to arrive on time for class. Students should arrive ten to fifteen minutes early to warm up and stretch.

If class has already started when you arrive - after changing into your gi, stretch out off of the mat or out of the room. If there is no mat, then sit by the mat in seiza until the instructor invites you to join the class.

The formal sitting portion on the mat is seiza. If you have an injury, or if the instructor suggests, you may sit cross legged (agura or "half-lotus"). Do not sit with legs outstretched or lean against posts or walls or lie down during class. You are here to train.

Never be idle during practice. You should be training or, if necessary, seated formally awaiting your turn.

It is the responsibility of all students to maintain a clean gi free from tears and holes - it should never smell.

It is the responsibility of all students to practice body hygiene. Body odor is a sign of bad diet and bad personal hygiene. Trim finger nails and toe nails - you can cut a fellow student. Being clean is an important part of our training and is encouraged before and after class in the privacy of your home.

Avoid wearing Jewelry on the mat to avoid injury to yourself and others.

It is the responsibility of all students to maintain a clean training place. Cleaning of the Dojo is an important part of our training and is encouraged before and after class.

Please do not walk on the mat with street shoes. Street shoes should be removed as soon as you enter the Dojo (after bowing) and placed neatly on the rack or somewhere out of the way.

Your body, and in particular your work-out shoes (feet), must be very clean before you step onto the mat.

Always enter the Dojo with an "empty mind" and a positive attitude. If you think you already know it, it will be difficult for you to learn.

Never come to train after using any type of drug or alcohol - you will be invited to leave.

Any negative feelings you may be harboring, must be left outside the Dojo. Ego and competitiveness must be left outside the Dojo. There is no place for them inside.

Treat your training tools with respect. Your Bo and other weapons should be in good condition and in their proper place when not in use.

If you are ill or over tired, do not attempt to train in the Dojo.

Students of any rank may practice with each other. It is appropriate and encouraged for beginning students to seek out and practice with advanced students.

Visitors, new students, and high ranking karateka should never have to wait or hunt around for a partner, it is good manners and an honor for others to approach them and ask them to practice.

Pay close attention to your seniors as it is through them you will learn the basics. Pay close attention to your juniors as it is through you they will learn the basics.

Always remain humble and do not become over confident of your proficiency in the art. Remember that every master also has a master and therefore, something new to learn. Be respectful to those of lesser rank - just as you are more advanced than they, there is always someone more advanced than you.