Dojo Etiquette

• When entering and leaving a dojo, bow to the scroll or shrine and to the teacher. When you enter, say Ohayo Gozaimasu (good morning), Konnichiwa (hello), or Konbanwa (good evening).  When leaving, say arigato gozaimashita (thank you).

• When the teacher asks you to be his uke (receiver), always bow and say onegai shimasu before, and arigato gozai mashita after you finish your part. When you bow to each other keep a distance of six feet, or a hundred and eighty centimeters from the teacher. This is the length of a rokushaku bo, and serves as a safety zone.

• When you pair up, first bow to each other and say onegai shimasu. When you finish practicing with that partner, bow to each other and say arigato gozai mashita. When you bow to each other keep a distance of six feet, or a hundred and eighty centimeters from your partner. This is the length of a rokushaku bo, and serves as a safety zone.

• Do not step over weapons or tools!

• Do not walk absent mindedly close to other practitioners.

• When thanking the teacher, say ARIGATO GOZAI MASHITA. Do not use a shorter version of that.

Once students are international members they are free to contact the Honbu Dojo in Japan, however, it is requested that all correspondence be handled through the Dojo-Cho.