A.                 Entering the Dojo

1.       As a form of courtesy to the other students and teachers in the Dojo, you will enter and bow to the “Kamidana” ( Dojo Shrine ) and then to fellow students and Sensei using the following greeting; Followed by removing  your shoes.  NO SHOES ALLOWED.

·         Ohayo gozimasu  (good morning)

·         Konnichiwa (good afternoon)

·         Konbanwa (good evening)

B.                 Leaving the Dojo

1.       All students will bow towards the Kamidana prior to leaving the training area.  You will also bow as you leave the dressing area and enter the training area.

C.                 Beginning the class

1.       At the beginning of the class, all students shall sit in Seiza and enter meditation.  At one point during meditation, the Sensei shall recite the Ninniku Seishin poem, allowing everyone to repeat it.  After the recital, the Sensei shall face the Kamidana and place hands together for the “Kotodama” (Spiritual Prayer), pausing so that the students may follow suit.  The Sensei begins by saying, “Chihayafuru Kami No Osweiwa Tokoshieni Takashiki Kokoro Mio Mamoruran.  Shiken Haramitsu Dai Komyo”, after which the students repeat the latter verse, followed by two claps, a bow, one clap and one bow.

2.       Shi Rei

·         After the Shizen Rei, the highest ranking pupil shall order, “Shisei, O Tadashite, Sensei Ni Rei” (Present yourselves to the teacher and bow.) The whole class shall bow and say “Onegai shimasu” (Please teach me.) The same shall be done at the end of the class, however the pupil will then say, “Arigato Gozamashita” (Thank you.)

D.                 Other suggestions

1.                   Take a moment to sense the significance of your presence in the Dojo every time you bow and enter the training area.  You are not here by accident.  Be aware of a feeling of appreciation for the fact that you are a part of your dojo’s long historical legacy.

2.                   Handle all training gear with respect.  Place them on the floor out of the way when you are not using them.  Never toss, drop, step over, or throw a piece of equipment onto the floor.

3.                   Be alert.  Actively keep safety in mind.  It is dangerous to chew gum, wear watches, rings or jewelry of any type in training. Please do not do so.  Tie back long hair for safety.

4.                   Keep talking to a minimum.  Pay careful attention to the teachers’ instructions.  Concentrate on the actions you are working to perfect.  Ask questions as needed, but avoid using up time telling stories.  Unnecessary laughter or talking distracts you and others from what you are trying to learn.

5.                   Keep effective learning and safety in mind when training with other students.  The dojo is the place for practice.  To properly cultivate skill, we need to know that training is safe.  We engage in study, not competition.  Never force a technique on your partner beyond reasonable limits.  There is no reason for any exercise in the dojo to ever reach the intensity and damage potential of an actual fight.  There is no need to injure yourself or others in order to progress.  Use artificial targets to test your power, speed, and intensity.  Use human partners to test coordination, spontaneity distancing and timing in a manner safe for all.

6.                   Treat your seniors with respectful attention, and juniors with helpful care.  The moment you become a member of the dojo, you are the “elder brother” or “elder sister” of anyone who joins the group after you.  Take responsibility for introducing new students in the training hall.  It is your job to make them feel welcome.  Get to know the names of new people.  Answer their questions, help them to adapt to the new experience of being a member of the dojo.

7.         As a member, you are expected to treat the dojo as though it were your own property.  Do all you can to keep the facilities neat and inspiring.  Do not limit your involvement to that of an outside guest. Cleaning supplies are in the restroom; help keep the facilities sparkling clean, brush away dust or cobwebs anywhere you see them, and return training tools and mats to their proper storage places.

                8.         Turn off cell phones or pagers as this is disruptive to meditation and

                                    Training in the dojo.  Only exceptions will be for emergency

                                    personnel on call or duty. (Police or Firemen)

                        9.         NO FOUL LANGUAGE, FIGHTING OR COMING TO CLASS UNDER

                                    THE INFLUENCE OF ILLEGAL OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES.

                                    YOU WILL BE EXPELLED WITH NO REFUNDS.