The Importance of Visitor Etiquette in the Dojo

Dojo etiquette is nearly universal in traditional martial arts and have been in existence since the beginning of organized martial arts. It is nothing new, and is not something we just decided to make up. The main purposes for the etiquette are safety, respect, and efficiency of learning. A dojo is defined by the etiquette the members practice. If the etiquette is highly disciplined, so will be the members. If etiquette is lose or non-existent, it will reflect in the performance and attitudes of the members.

For these reasons, no one is exempt from dojo etiquette. Students, instructors, and even visitors are expected to be respectful of the dojo guidelines. The more experience you have and higher rank you are, the higher level of etiquette you should display. 

Most etiquette is a display of good judgement and good manners. Other parts of etiquette are to preserve the traditions held in our arts.

Etiquette for visitors/parents 

In ancient times, a dojo was a place of training for combat and warfare. Because of this, the dojo was a very serious place for adult warriors. 

In today's society, the dojo is still a serious environment due to the risks involved if behavior and attitudes are reckless. However, a modern dojo is not just limited to adults. Now, children also come to learn for self-defense, bully prevention, sport, and character development.

Because of the increase of children participating in martial arts over the last few decades, all modern dojos also implement etiquette for visitors or parents to go alongside etiquette for the students. The etiquette is designed to complement and support the etiquette being taught to the children. It is also designed to help keep the learning environment safe and efficient. In addition, it is a matter of courtesy and respect that any clear minded, responsible adult should easily understand. It is very important for the children to see the parents setting a good example by displaying good manners and being respectful while in the dojo. Parents are the primary role models. If the parents disregard etiquette, the children will typically follow that cue. 

Some guidelines that are requested of the parents are due to the fact kids are dependent on the parents for such things as arriving on time, having a clean and complete uniform, trimmed nails, hair pulled back, jewelry removed, etc.  

Other things parents are asked to be aware of are to keep the time in class a safe, productive, and efficient learning environment. These guidelines would include refraining from loud conversations, or talking on the cell phone, not yelling (coaching) to your child from sideline, keeping siblings quiet and under control, etc.

If you ever have any questions concerning dojo etiquette, be sure to ask one of our instructors. I also suggest doing an internet search for dojo etiquette. You will see that the guidelines may vary slightly from one dojo to another, but for the most part, they are universal.

   

Japanese Dojo Terminolgy

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Anza                    --------------------------------- sitting cross legged

Ashi                     --------------------------------- foot or leg

Ashi waza            --------------------------------- foot/leg technique

Atama                  -------------------------------- head

Atemi waza          -------------------------------- striking techniques

Batsugun             -------------------------------- instantaneous promotion

Budo                    -------------------------------- martial way

Bushido               -------------------------------- way of the warrior

Dan                      -------------------------------- degree in the black belt ranks

Do                        -------------------------------- way—also torso of the body

Dojime                 -------------------------------- body scissors—“body strangle”

Dojo                     -------------------------------- hall of learning the way

Domo arigato      -------------------------------- thank you

Eri                        -------------------------------- Judogi lapel

Fusegi                  -------------------------------- escape

Gaeshi/kaeshi     -------------------------------- counter or reversal

Garami                -------------------------------- entangle or entwine

Gari                     --------------------------------  reap

Gatame/katame  -------------------------------- lock or hold

Godan                  -------------------------------- 5^th degree black belt

Gokyo no waza    -------------------------------- 5 stages of throwing techniques

Gokyu                  -------------------------------- 5^th level belt (orange belt)

Guruma                -------------------------------- wheel

Hachidan              -------------------------------- 8^th degree black belt

Hadaka                -------------------------------- without the gi (naked)

Hai                       -------------------------------- Yes

Hajime                 -------------------------------- begin

Hane                    -------------------------------- springing action

Hasoku make      --------------------------------  disqualification

Harai/barai          -------------------------------- sweeping action

Hidari                  -------------------------------- left

Hiji                      -------------------------------- elbow

Hikikomi             -------------------------------- retreating pulling           

Hishigi                 -------------------------------- crush

Hiza                     -------------------------------- knee

Hon                      -------------------------------- basic or fundamental

Iie                        -------------------------------- no

Ikkyu                  -------------------------------- first level belt (brown)

Ippon                   ------------------------------- one point

Jigoku                 -------------------------------- hell

Joseki                 --------------------------------high side of the dojo or mat area

Ju                        -------------------------------- the principle of gentleness or giving way

Judan                  -------------------------------- 10^th degree black belt

Judo                    -------------------------------- gentle way

Judogi                 -------------------------------- judo uniform

Judoka                -------------------------------- judo practitioner

Juji                      -------------------------------- cross mark

Juji gatame         ------------------------------- cross lock

Jiu-jitsu               ------------------------------- gentle art
Jiu-jitsuka           ------------------------------- Jiu-jitsu practitioner 

Junbi undo          ------------------------------- warm up exercises

Kaeshi waza       ------------------------------- counter techniques

Kake                   ------------------------------ execution 5% of the technique

Kami                   ------------------------------ upper or top

Kansetsu waza    ------------------------------ joint locking techniques

Kata                    ------------------------------ shoulder—also formal pre-arranged routine (form)

Kataha                ------------------------------- single wing

Katame waza      ------------------------------- grappling (holding) techniques

Kesa                    ------------------------------- scarf

Ki                         ------------------------------- internal force or spirit energy

Kiai                      -------------------------------- spirit shouting (forceful exhale during execution)

Kime                    -------------------------------- decisiveness, tensing at the correct moment

Kiyotsuke            -------------------------------- attention

Ko                        ------------------------------- small    

Komi                     ------------------------------- pull

Koshi/goshi          ------------------------------- hip, waist, loin

Koshi waza           ------------------------------- hip technique

Kudan                   ------------------------------- 9^th degree black belt

Kumi kata             ------------------------------- forms of gripping

Kuzure                  ------------------------------- variation of

Kuzushi                 ------------------------------- off balancing

Kyoshi                   ------------------------------- teacher of teachers (head instructor)

Kyu                        ------------------------------ class of belt ranking below black belt

Makikomi             ------------------------------ wrapping around

Ma sutemi waza    ----------------------------- back falling sacrifice techniques

Mata                      ----------------------------- thigh

Matte                     ---------------------------- stop (wait)

Migi                        ---------------------------- right

Mokuso                  ---------------------------- meditate

Morote                   ---------------------------- both hands

Mudansha              ---------------------------- holder of any rank below black belt

Mune                      ---------------------------- chest

Nage                       ---------------------------- throw

Nage waza              ---------------------------- throwing techniques

Ne waza                  ---------------------------- supine position techniques

O                             ---------------------------- big, major, large

Obi                          ---------------------------- judo uniform belt

Okuri                      ---------------------------- assist or sending

Onegai shimasu     ----------------------------- please

Osae komi              ---------------------------- hold-down, pin

Osaekomi waza      ---------------------------- pinning techniques

Otoshi                     ---------------------------- to drop

Randori                  ----------------------------- free practice, sparring

Rei                          ---------------------------- bow

Ritsurei                   ---------------------------- standing bow

Sankaku                 ----------------------------- triangular

Sasae                      ---------------------------- propping  

Seiryoku zenyo       --------------------------- maximum efficiency (Judo principle)

Seiza                       ---------------------------- proper sitting (on knees)

Seoi                         ---------------------------- to carry on the back

Sensei                     ---------------------------- black belt teacher

Senpai                     ---------------------------- senior student (often assistant instructor)

Shiai                        ---------------------------- tournament

Shido                       ---------------------------- penalty

Shiho                       ---------------------------- 4 corners/quarters

Shihan                     ---------------------------- master or founder of an art (Jigoro Kano)

Shime/jime              ---------------------------- strangle

Shime waza             ---------------------------- strangle technique

Shumatsu undo       ---------------------------- cooling down exercises

Sode                        ---------------------------- sleeve

Sore made               ---------------------------- that is all

Soto                         ---------------------------- outside/outer

Sumi                        ---------------------------- corner

Sutemi                     ---------------------------- sacrifice

Sutemi waza            ---------------------------- sacrifice technique

Tachi waza              ---------------------------- standing technique

Tai                           ----------------------------- body

Tai sabaki               ----------------------------- body turning

Tatami                     ----------------------------- judo mats

Tate                         ----------------------------- straddle

Tawara                    ----------------------------- rice bag

Te                            ---------------------------- hand

Te waza                   ---------------------------- hand techniques

Tokui waza              ---------------------------- favorite technique

Tomoe                     ----------------------------- circle

Tori                         ----------------------------- person performing technique

Tsubame                 ---------------------------- swallow (bird)

Tsukuri                   ----------------------------- fitting in or entering into position

Tsuri                        ------------------------------ lift

Tsurikomi                ------------------------------ lift pull action

Uchi                         ------------------------------ inner or inside

Uchi komi                ----------------------------- practice without completion

Ude                          ---------------------------- arm

Uke                          ---------------------------- person receiving technique

Ukemi                      ---------------------------- breakfall methods

Uki                           ----------------------------- floating

Ura                           ---------------------------- back side

Ushiro                      ---------------------------- reverse

Uwagi                       ---------------------------- judo jacket (kimono is also acceptable)

Wake                       ---------------------------- armpit

Waza                        ---------------------------- technique

Waza ari                  ---------------------------- almost ippon (1/2 point)

Yame                       ---------------------------- stop (signals end of mokuso)

Yoko                        ---------------------------- side or lateral

Yoko sutemi waza   ---------------------------- side sacrifice technique

Yoshi                       ---------------------------- continue

Yudansha                ---------------------------- black belt rank holder

Yuko                        --------------------------- near waza-ari

Zarei                        --------------------------- kneeling bow

Zubon                      ---------------------------- judo uniform pants

Avoid Elitist Behavior in the Dojo

My friend Jamale is the first person I heard use the term "elitist" in reference to martial arts. What it refers to is a person that is only interested in self gain through martial arts. An elitist is not interested in helping others improve. They are only interested in using others as a resource for their own skill development. They are motivated by ego/vanity. 

The Elitist believes that he is above rules and etiquette. He believes that to be humble is to be weak. If he feigns being part of a team, it is only because he believes that he is the best part of the team and that any success for they have is due to his presence. He is loyal only to himself.   

This type of attitude goes totally against the principles laid down by Jigoro Kano when he developed Kodokan Judo. Jita Kyoei translates to "mutual welfare" or "mutual benefit". This is one of the two main principles of Judo. The other is seiryoku zenyo or "maximum efficiency with minimal effort". Kano's vision was the betterment of society as a whole through these principles of Judo. Work smart instead of hard and seek to help others improve alongside yourself.

Gichin Funakoshi (founder of Shotokan Karate) said, "Without etiquette, there is no dojo". The dojo kun or morals he wrote as part of the etiquette were:

• Strive for the completion of character 
• Be loyal
• Endeavor 
• Respect others and have good etiquette
• Refrain from violent behavior for self gain 

For people that are seeking traditinoal martial arts, these principles and guidelines are a major part of the "self cultivation" we are hoping to achieve. We search out an instructor that teaches these character building traits and expects us to adhere to them. It is not the instructor's goal to be a dictator or to put anyone in a subservient position. Martial arts is a powerful tool that requires great self discipline. The goal of the traditional instructor is to help the student improve their quality of life through the education they receive inside the dojo.

Entitlement, egocentric behavior, and instant gratification are not part of the traditional dojo atmosphere.

Some examples of Elitist behavioral traits:

• no sense of loyalty or has a false loyalty to dojo
• only attends practices/events to benefit himself
• being demanding of others, but not generous with their own time/knowledge 
• sparring only with someone lesser skilled or weaker (dojo bully)
• seeking ways to defeat training partners rather than aid their growth
• excessively celebrating or counting "dojo" victories
• poor attitude when suffering "dojo" defeats
• being disrespectful to dojo etiquette, teammates, and instructors
•  blames others for failures and claims all credit for success
• expecting favoritism or complaining that others are receiving it

Sometimes many of these behaviors can be attributed to martial arts immaturity, meaning they are still new to the art and have not learned otherwise. Character development is a process of learning just as the physical skills we learn. 

The best way to truly develop one's self through martial arts is to learn and adhere to dojo etiquette. This will assure internal character growth along with the physical skills learned. Avoid elitist behavior and avoid elitists in the dojo. Behavior is contagious, especially to children.

In the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu community, there is a term "Creonte" that refers to this elitist behavior. In this video, Vinicius "Draculino" Magalhães, explains what the term means. 

 

"Sensei"

The term "Sensei" means teacher or instructor but the literal translation is "one who has gone before". This means a person that has walked the path or "way" before and is now offering to lead others down the path. This title is generally one that comes with the rank of black belt. Originally, the term was reserved for those ranked 4th degree or higher. In today's dojo communities it is considered acceptable for any black belt. 

The title "Sensei" is one that is earned alongside the rank of black belt. It is a term of respect and honor. It is reflective of the time invested, achievements, and knowledge of the given art.

In the mid-late 90s, I was a brown belt assistant instructor under Sensei Yuzo Kato. I was often entrusted with teaching classes any time he had to be away. I felt honored that he had faith in my teaching ability and my effort to teach the way he would. 

One day while teaching class, a young woman asked me a question concerning a certain technique she was struggling with. She said that she was trying to do it the way "Yuzo" had shown her. 

I offered my advice on the technique and reminded her that while in the dojo, she should refer to our instructor as "Sensei" and not by his first name. 

She replied, "He has not earned that privilege with me yet."

The hair stood up on the back of my neck. I stopped the class immediately and lined everyone up as we would at the end of class. I saw this as a teachable moment. 

I explained to the class that Sensei Yuzo Kato had begun training Judo at the Kodokan in Japan at the age of 8. He worked very hard for many years under some of the world's top instructors (including Mifune and Kudo) and eventually had earned the rank of 4th dan. His promotion to 4 dan came as a batsugun (promotion due to defeating higher ranked individuals in tournament). He was kind enough to share his knowledge of the art with us and we should be showing him utmost respect. His title of "Sensei" had been earned long before we had met him and in fact we should earn the privilege of calling him our Sensei by showing the due respect. 

Unexpectedly, the girl that had made the aforementioned statement, broke into tears. After the class ended, she told me that she had never thought of it that way and would be more respectful in the future.

Alexenko Sensei was my first Judo teacher. He taught the beginner class as Kato Sensei's assistant. In 1997, Alexenko Sensei retired and I was asked to fill his position as assistant. I filled the position as well as I could. No one has the knowledge and storytelling ability of Alexenko Sensei. It is an honor to have him teach at our dojo now.

I have known Alexenko Sensei since 1990. My family has been guests in his home to have dinner and conversation with him and his wife many times over the years. He and his wife, Kitty have been to our home upon many occasions. We are friends and have been friends for a long time. However, I have never stopped calling him Sensei. I will always call him Sensei. It is a title he has earned and I will always respect that.

When in the dojo, you should address all black belt instructors as Sensei. Even if you are on friendly terms outside of the dojo, respect to dojo etiquette and the dedication of the instructor should be payed.

See you in the dojo! 

 

 

General Etiquette for the Dojo

This blog is a repeat of one done many moons ago. However, we have many new students at the dojo that have been asking about proper mannerisms inside and outside the dojo. I will have printed versions of this etiquette at the dojo for students to pick up this week. 

Dynamic Martial Arts is a traditional Dojo. This means that our dojo operates using traditional rules of etiquette. Gichin Fukakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate said, "without etiquette, there is no dojo."   

Adhering to the rules of etiquette will make your learning experience greater and result in making you a better martial artist.

We use the Kyu-Dan ranking system for our Kodokan Judo and Mixed Martial Arts programs.

The Kyu-Dan belt ranking system was originally used in Kodokan Judo in the early 20^th century.  

Rank advancement requirements in our dojo are based on improvements of the following:

1. Physical application of technique—repetition develops muscle memory and knowledge of body mechanics, patterns of movement, etc.
2. Understanding of the art and its history—terminology, lineage, principles, rules of contest,  tactics, strategies, and doctrine
3. Etiquette inside and outside the dojo—never assume to be greater than the art
4. Attitude—you are a representative of the art, your dojo, your training partners, your instructor, and the lineage. Attitude is a reflection of the martial arts maturity of the rank holder.

**Note to parents--your child will learn about perseverance and rewards for work well done.  Students are recognized for the individual achievements. Everyone has unique obstacles to overcome.  The instructors are constantly paying close attention to the aforementioned requirements per individual student. Just because one person qualifies for advancement, does not mean others automatically qualify. If you try to pressure the instructors into promoting your child, what kind of example are you setting? We want your child to grow and understand the value of individual effort being rewarded to the individual as well as the individual being of value to the entire dojo. 

General Dojo Etiquette

1. Bow toward the inside of the dojo upon entering or exiting the dojo.
2. Show up on time for class. When it is time for class to begin, line up in order of rank in seiza (sitting kneeling) facing the Kamiza (front of dojo).
3. If you are late, change into your uniform and wait for the instructor to give you permission to step onto the mat.
4.  Always address black belt instructors as Sensei. They are Larry Keith, Olga Keith, and Tony Pepe. 
5. When a black belt enters the dojo/tatami while a class is already in session, you should always greet him/her with a bow and/or handshake. 
6. Address anyone higher rank than yourself as Senpai, Sir, or Ma’am
7. When someone is left in charge of a class (even for just a moment), you are to offer them the same respect as the Sensei, regardless of rank. 
8. Execute a standing bow before stepping onto or off of the tatami (matted area).
9. When the instructor is speaking to the class, do not interrupt. Do not walk away, or cause any kind of distraction. Listen to what is being taught.
10. Practice only techniques that have been formally taught to you and that are approved for you by the Instructor.
11. Do not teach techniques to others without specific permission from the instructor. 
12. Always respect the skills you are learning. Carelessness can and will result in injury.
13. Do not be stubborn—it is better to tap out early than to tap out late. Enter positions quickly, but execute submissions with control and consideration.
14. All strikes will be done with control. Never let emotions escalate your sparring sessions.  
15. Bow and shake hands with your practice partner at the beginning and end of each practice session and when a new partner arrives.
16. Do not wear shoes on the tatami. Do not walk around outside or on the dirty floor with bare feet and step onto the mats. Slip on shoes or flip flops are a good piece of equipment to have.
17. Wear proper uniform with proper rank.
18. Uniforms must be clean and in good repair.
19. If you must leave early, be sure to inform the instructor before class begins or as soon as you can. This allows the instructor to make sure you do not miss out on important information. Make sure you have a good reason.
20. Remember to remove socks, sharp jewelry, watches, and the like.
21. Keep finger nails and toe nails trimmed short. If you have long hair, wear it tied back and out of the way.
22. No stinky uniforms, gloves, shin pads, or other equipment should be used. Hygiene is very important due to the close contact of our sport. 
23. No food or drinks are allowed on the mats.
24. Never shout or yell for the Instructor (other than emergency). If you have a question, approach the instructor and wait to be acknowledged. Do not interrupt if the instructor is working with other students.
25. Only the correct grade signified by the color of the belt may be worn.
26. If a senior asks a junior for a practice the junior may not decline unless he is sick, injured, or an instructor has directed otherwise.
27. Maintain a disciplined and serious attitude. Jiu-jitsu, Judo, and other arts can be fun, but they are very physical, and if you are goofing around, someone will likely get hurt.
28. Even if you are instructed to sit on the side and watch, this is not break-time or time to chit-chat. Keep your attention on the class. Much can be learned from watching.
29. If you are the odd person out, do not wonder around the class. Sit properly and wait for your turn to participate.
30. Refrain from idle conversation in the dojo. The more time you spend talking, the less time you spend training. You also prevent others from getting proper practice.
31. Do not stray from the curriculum. If you have been asked to perform a certain technique, you should perform that technique.
32. Accept that there are no shortcuts. Learn your basics thoroughly and try always to understand why they work (or fail). Ignore the "tricks" people are constantly trying to teach you.
33. Try to earn the respect of your fellow teammates as a "good person to train with" not as the toughest guy on the mat. Be careful and considerate of others.  Be an asset - not a liability.
34. Jiu-jitsu, Judo and MMA should never be practiced outside of your dojo without the permission/advice of the Sensei.
35. Pass along good etiquette to your fellow students. Set a good example for the other people in the dojo that may be less aware.