USJA Etiquette

 
The following is taken from the USJA Senior Rank System Handbook:

"Receiving an award--

It has been observed that most students are unfamiliar with the protocol for receiving an award like a trophy, medal, or certificate. The procedure described herein is the most widely accepted one. Face the person who is presenting you with the award, at attention, at about six feet in front of him/her. Do a standing bow. Step forward (left foot and then right) and receive the award with your left hand then shake hands with the presenter with your right. Step back (right foot and then left) and bow. 

Gift Giving--

It is customary to give gifts on certain occasions in the context of your martial arts training. If you are training for an extended period (more than a few workouts) at another dojo, it is customary to give the instructor, and any special individuals a small gift each at the time of departure. 

It is also customary to give a gift to your instructor at the end of each year. If the gift is to be from the entire class, then it is the responsibility of the senior students to notify all concerned parties for their participation and to make whatever arrangements necessary.

The monetary value of the gift is not as important as your recognition of the custom of formally thanking the people with a token of your appreciation for the time and energy they have devoted to you. 

Visiting Another Dojo--

Before visiting another dojo, you should get the permission of your regular instructor. The same would be true if you were changing dojos permanently. 

Arrive at the visiting dojo before the start of class. Do not come in late. Introduce yourself to the instructor or have a student introduce you to him/her. On occasion, you need a letter of introduction from your regular instructor. Once you are introduced, obtain the permission of the head instructor to work out with the class. 

At the end of the class, thank the instructor(s) again for their hospitality. Help put away any training equipment such as the mats. 

If a visitor comes to your dojo, introduce yourself and make him/her feel welcome. Off to introduce the guest to the instructor. 

Attitude Toward Instructors--

The attitude of the student toward Judo and the Judo instructor is very important. It should be one of respect for the hard work the instructor has gone through to gain and possess the knowledge of the art. The student who may know more than some instructors still gains by being a part of an organized class because it takes a person outside himself to see his technical faults and suggest ways to overcome them. 

Thus, respect for the position of the instructor, no matter what his rank or knowledge of Judo, is the key to a good instructor-student relationship. The alert student should try to keep an open mind, listen to everything the instructor has to say,  and try his/her best to follow instructions exactly. Hard work is needed and the hard work only takes place whenn the student is determined to master the techniques and skills of Judo. "