Kendo Etiquette o642s

In Kendo, like many other martial arts, etiquette is an important aspect that needs to be constantly practiced and continually observed. Etiquette in the dojo is not designed to give airs and graces to senior . Nor it is designed to contribute to the mystique of the martial arts. Etiquette is common sense, discipline and manners on the whole, and is an integral requirement for self-awareness and development. It is the means of conveying respect towards the dojo, sensei, sempai, peers, and towards the art of Kendo itself. It is perhaps the easiest facet of Kendo to transfer from the dojo to everyday life as concepts of respect, courtesy, and restraint become embedded in everyday actions and considerations. Almost all of kendo has been regulated and systematized, which make it almost impossible to list and memorize all the possible points; this is at best an incomplete list. We are all learning and all make the occasional mistake but if you find yourself in an awkward position, correct yourself as quickly and quietly as possible, apologize ("gomenesai"), and return your attention to practice. Much of it is really just common sense and good manners in the dojo.

Basic Dojo Rules & Etiquette • It is impolite to be late to practice. • Whenever a Kendoist enters or leaves a dojo. He/She bows in respect of the dojo and those present. • A Kendoist takes off shoes and hat upon entering the dojo. • Upon entering or leaving the dojo, a kendoist greets the instructors in acknowledgement of their rank. • A Kendoist bows in respect to his opponent before and after each practice. • A Kendoist never walks in front of a seated kendo player wearing his bogu. If necessary, extend your right hand and bow slightly as you . • A Kendoist never touches the bogu of another. • Never step over a shinai, bokuto (wooden sword), or Iaito, lean on it, or treat it with disrespect. • Handle your shinai or bokuto respectfully. Do not lean on it, rest it on the floor, twirl it, or drag it. It is to be considered as a real sword and is to be afforded the necessary level of respect. • The novice will sit opposite the Yudansha (higher rank), or to their right. • If repair or adjustment is necessary, practice must be stopped and the other kendo player must remain in place (Sonkyo position in a match). When practice is ready to be resumed, players will stand and bow before continuing. • The "Men" should not be taken off until the command is given at the conclusion of practice. • Never lean against the wall: Instead stand, kneel or sit cross-legged when resting. • Strive for good form, demonstrate proper fighting spirit, and carry yourself with a sense of dignity. • Always demonstrate humility and respect for yourself, fellow kendoists, and seniors. • All Kendoists should formally close practice together (even if you have stopped practicing before others). • Gratitude is expressed at the end of practice instructors and fellow kendoists. “Thank you very much… Domo Arigato Gozaimashita”.

Opening of Formal Practice • Sei retsu Line up • Seiza: Formal kneeling positions (please be seated) • Mokuso:- Deep breathing meditation • Mokuso yame: End of deep breathing meditation • Shomen ni rei: Bow to head of the dojo • Sensei ni rei: Bow to the Sensei(s) ◦ Everyone answers:"Onegai shimasu -Please (train with me)" • Otagai ni rei: Bow to the other ◦ Everyone answers:"Onegai shimasu -Please (train with me)" • Men o Tsuke: Put on your Men (helmet) Closing of Formal Practice

• Sei retsu: Line up • Seiza: Formal kneeling positions (please be seated) • Men o tore: Remove your Men (helmet) • Mokuso:- Deep breathing meditation • Mokuso yame: End of deep breathing meditation • Sensei ni rei: Bow to the Sensei(s) ◦ Everyone answers:"Domo arigato gozaimasu - Thank you " • Shomen ni rei: Bow to head of the dojo • Otagai ni rei: Bow to the other ◦ Everyone answers:"Domo arigato gozaimasu - Thank you (Usually shortened to arigato gozaimasu)"

Start individual practice • Rei: Bow to opponent ◦ Onegai shimasu: Please train with me• Sonkyo: Crouching "en-guard" position End individual practice • Sonkyo: Crouching "en-guard" position • Rei: Bow to opponent ◦ Domo arigato gozaimasu: Thank you very much

Basic Etiquette Regarding Apparel and Equipment

• Always handle your apparel and bogu respectfully. Make sure they are packed neatly, without dangling strings or straps. • Always handle your shinai respectfully. Do not lean on it, rest it on the floor, twirl it, or drag it. Make sure it is well-maintained, free of splinters and with tightened tsuru (string) and nakayui (leather strap). • Avoid stepping over Shinai and Bogu when it is lying on the ground eg.during Seiza etc.. Walk around instead if possible. • Wear your keikogi and hakama neatly. Make sure the keikogi is smooth not bulging, in the front and back, and not wrinkled or dirty. When putting on the hakama, put your left leg in first; when removing the hakama, remove your right left first.