Behaviour and Etiquette 

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Behaviour and Etiquette in Martial Arts

The majority of martial arts clubs do not have the finances to build/hire and run their own place of training to the exclusion of all other types of activity although we are hopeful of achieving this sometime in the future.

Clubs can be found in schools, village halls, leisure centres and similar buildings. What they have in common is that for the duration of each training period, however modestly or richly it is equipped, this building is their "dojo". 

Translated from Japanese "do" is the 'way' and "jo" is the 'place', giving a place where the way is studied, a place of training for the arts. The name originated from a Buddhist term for a "place or hall of enlightenment", probably in the 11th or 12th century. 

We always try and hire a secluded room so that we are not distracted by interruptions and having to shout over the top of surrounding noise. Whilst good humour and spirit will be encouraged, any irresponsible actions or attitudes will incur swift attention from the senior members present. The nature of what we practise includes techniques which are especially dangerous if performed in a frivolous manner. 

This common sense adult respect for the place where we practise also extends to any spectators and guests. They are asked to observe quietness and no smoking rules to maintain the atmosphere for the training members.

Typical etiquette observations are:

Be respectful to all club members irrespective of their status in the club.
Be kind and helpful to lower graded / lesser abled people.
Be punctual to practise sessions.
Be courteous to all who practise with you.
Keep the conversation level quiet inside the training room.
Keep your body clean and wash your hands before practise.
Frequently wash your training clothes.
Keep finger and toenails short.
Never use goshin jutsu outside of training unless an extreme situation demands it. Always try and avoid trouble.
Be moderate in daily eating and drinking and keep your fitness and suppleness up to a good standard.

It can be seen that these are no more than a set of common sense rules mixed with good manners. There are set patterns of behaviour expected during training. We have cut down on a lot of the formal and traditional routines we used to perform from seated and standing and reduced it to a simple bow (rei) from the waist when entering and leaving the place of practise (dojo), stepping on or off the mat, and when you begin or end a practise with a partner. 

This salutation or bow is primarily an expression of respect, our equivalent to shaking hands with our training partners. It is also briefly taking the time to re-focus your mind on the where you are and what you are doing, alert yet calm. 

If you are late to a practise session then enter the training area quietly. ( Note: it is good practise to change outside the dojo, if rooms are available, to avoid distracting the class that has already started.) Wait on the edge of the floor by the door until the instructor acknowledges your presence. When invited to join in an a brief apology should be given and a reason for lateness offered.

We understand that adults have many external pressures on their time and are pleased if they are able to attend our training sessions.
 
Malcolm Keith
 Chief Instructor
 Yoshiki Goshinjutsu