Training Session Start
Each Training Session Start
New students will soon fall into the routines and conventions of a training session and training session start.
Originally in my more traditional days – on entering the dojo all members would bow (rei) towards the shomen or kamiza (joza), the nominated place of honour in any dojo. Students would line up in grade order along the mat edge furthest away from the kamiza (upper seat) called the shimoza (lower seat), with the highest graded student on the instructor’s left side.
The instructor and other yudansha (holders of Dan grades) would line up on the mat edge in front of the kamiza, facing the students. If visiting dignitaries or ceremonies took up the kamiza, the instructors would move round to their left by one side to the joseki (upper side). The students moved round to the opposite side shimoseki.
In the western society we have little appreciation of the finesse of the inter-relationships between oriental religions ( Shinto, Zen-Buddhism) and martial arts. In goshinjutsu, we just ask that you perform a short bow from the waist on entering into the training room just to show respect and focus your attention on the change from outside daily life to a period of serious personal training. If you visit other martial art clubs you will then not appear rude compared to their idea of etiquette.
The senior instructor will invite the students onto the mat (tatami) if they are not already on doing gentle a warm up. Footwear, in the form of zori (a traditional woven straw sandal), or more likely flip-flops, are slipped off at the edge of the mat, toes facing away.
We do this because bare feet or outdoor shoes going on and off the mat introduces debris onto the covering surface which not only makes it dirty, but also increases the risk of grit, etc. getting in the eyes during any ground activity.
The instructor will remind everybody to remove all types of jewellery before stepping on the mat – rings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, hair-clips, earrings – any item that could be the source of injury.
Long hair on either male or female should be tied back with an elastic grip.
Rings that will not come off should be covered with a plaster.
Anybody carrying injuries or health problems will be asked to declare them.
Anyone smelling of alcohol will be asked to leave.
As we step onto the mat we bow towards the centre or senior members present on the mat. goshin jutsu bow, or ‘rei’
Salutation rei wo suru
The standing bow, rei, tachi-rei or ritsurei, is be done with the heels together, men placing hands by their thighs and women hands in front above the knees. The bow is made from the waist at an angle of about 30 degrees.
We start our practise by everybody including the Instructors forming one circle for a small group.This represents everybody being there to learn equally.
For large groups and seminars – separating to side of the training hall facing each other is more practical, students facing instructors.
At this point of the lesson the mutual respect between students and instructor/teacher is expressed. The student attends the club to learn and have the opportunity to practise. The instructor has set up the club to enjoy the training and to pass on the knowledge to others for them to enjoy and learn. Neither can continue very well without each other!
The senior instructor will call “ki-o-tsuki” and everyone braces up, then “rei ” – everybody bows.
The senior student, or the instructor, will then commence the lesson with warm ups, stretching, etc.
If for any reason you have to leave the mat always ask the class instructor’s permission so he or she knows why you are missing, bow before and after addressing the instructor – good manners again.
Don’t forget to bow to the centre before turning round and stepping off into your footwear.
At the end of the training session the above procedures will be repeated.
All nice and easy and with little fuss or exaggeration or affectation.
Malcolm Keith
Chief Instructor
Youshiki Goshinjutsu
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