virginia tech kendo
dojo etiquette (reigi)
- Bow when entering and leaving the dojo.
- Shoes are not worn in the dojo.
- Bow to your opponent (or the group) before starting and upon completion of every paired (or group) exercise.
- Walk behind seated Kenshi. If you must walk in front of them, extend your right hand at the elbow and bow slightly as you pass. In close proximity to Kenshi or other people in the dojo, do not pass in front of them. Never walk between people engaged in conversation.
- Never step over a shinai, bokuto or other practice weapon.
- Never touch another's Kendogu (bogu, shinai, dogi, etc.) unless specifically invited to do so.
- Upon entering/leaving the dojo, always greet/take leave of the instructor first, followed by the group.
- Upon the completion of practice, remove your men only after the instructor.
- Sit in descending order of rank from left to right. Seniority is determined by Kendo rank first, followed by age.
- Learn to tie your bogu so that it does not become untied during practice. Periodically check to make sure your knots are tight, but do not remove and retie your equipment at times when your doing so will disrupt practice.
- Say, "o-negai-shimasu" (a humble "please"), prior to starting paired and group exercises. When finished, say, “arigato gozaimashita” (a polite "thank you").
- Kendo’s roots are in the Japanese culture. As such, Japanese language is used in the dojo. Internalize Kendo vocabulary, counting and the commands used during practice.
- We strive for the highest quality practice given our limited time together in the dojo. In the dojo, please refrain from conversations or activities that are not pertinent to our practice.
- Arrive on time and, unless you have a good reason not to, leave only after practice has been officially ended by the intructor.
- Do not interrupt instructors or senior students for advice; if they have advice, they will give it to you.
Adapted from the Yale Kendo Club dojo guidelines.
