Dojo Etiquette

For the most part, I think we do an outstanding job in representing ourselves, our class and the dojo as a whole. I've always said that the important thing for me is that you're in class, training hard, learning and having a good time. Most everything else will fall into place. The reality is that we're sharing a home with a lot of other folks, so it's important that we do our part to be good family members.

Shihan has been practicing martial arts for over fifty years. During that time, he has worked hard to carry on the traditions of his teachers. This is a show of respect. Many of our folks at the dojo began training here when they were children and have continued to train into adulthood. All of the traditions and etiquette that Shihan has passed down through the years are instilled in the body and soul of many of Shihan's students.

What this means is that when one of us fails to demonstrate the proper etiquette, those actions can potentially shed a negative light on that person or the entire Jiu-Jitsu class. I've worked hard over the years to teach good etiquette and create a positive image for us all. In addition, I worked to instill a fighting spirit in my students. Having a military background in a special operations unit, I understand the concept of being an elite soldier.

You too are in an elite class. Jiu-Jitsu is not easy. If it were, everyone would do it. I've seen countless people come and go over the years. Only a handful have remained. We're in an exciting time right now and probably have the largest number of students we've ever had. But with larger numbers, comes more responsibility to walk the line.

There are a lot of folks who look at what we do and are intimidated or unwilling to do what it takes to be a part of our class. With that in mind, it is our duty to not perpetuate any sort of a tough guy attitude. Everyone's eyes are on us, so we have to always be on our best behavior and set the example.

Here is a list of some of the common ways we can show our respect when we're in the dojo.

When entering or leaving the dojo, always bow and say, “Dozo Onegashimas.”

Remove your hat, shoes and socks in the lobby area.

When you greet an instructor or fellow student, greet them by bowing.

Refer to Roseberry Shihan as “Shihan” and all instructors as “Sensei.”

Bow before walking onto or leaving the wood floor. Direct your bow to the practice area. This is to show honor to your dojo and to say you will do your very best.

Bow before leaving the wood floor to go into the locker room. Direct your bow to the practice area.

Use a locker or your bag to store your street clothing. Place your bag out of the way.

Remove all watches, rings and jewelry.

You must wear a gi on the days we have gi training.

Wash your gi or no-gi clothing regularly. If your training attire is not clean, you will not be allowed to train.

Ensure your finger nails and toe nails are trimmed, preferably before you arrive at the dojo. If you must, you may use the clippers provided, but please make sure you dispose of the clippings appropriately. Do not leave tape or bandages on the floor.

If you have any skin rashes or conditions, you will not be allowed to train.

If you have any open wounds, cuts, etc. you may not be able to train unless the wound can be safely covered without the covering coming off during training.

Be on time. Arrive before class begins. If you come in late, you must wait at the entrance to the mat for permission to join practice. Please feel free to do push-ups or sit-ups while you wait.

Bow before walking onto the mat. Direct your bow to the senior person and acknowledge his presence.

Junior students are expected to look to seniors for guidance, imitate their behavior, and treat them with respect and consideration. Sit and stand when your seniors do.

Senior students are expected to set a good example for juniors, protect them from injury, help them learn, and treat them with respect and consideration.

Before class begins, you may take time to warm up on the mat. Before class begins, ensure your gi and belt are fixed properly. Face away from the front of the training area to do this.

At the beginning of class, students will line up facing the west. The senior student will stand to the right. Beginning in order of seniority, the other students will stand to his left. Junior students will line up in order of seniority to the left of the adults.

It is the senior student’s responsibility to ensure all of the other students are prepared and lined up accordingly.

To begin class, the senior student will call the class to attention by saying in a loud voice, “Kioske!”

He will direct the students to bow to the Shomen by saying, “Shomen ni rei!”

He will direct the students to bow to the Sensei by saying, “Sensei ni rei!”

While class is in session, give your full attention to your Sensei.

When practicing with another student, bow to one another before you begin and say, “Dozo.”

When you have completed the practice, bow to one another and say, “Domo arigato gozaimas.”

Behave appropriately in the dojo (literally, "place of the Way"). Speak quietly and maintain an attitude appropriate for serious practice.

Do not teach new techniques to other students unless asked to do so by your teacher.

Never throw or drop your obi (belt) on the ground, and never wash it. Your obi is a symbol of your spirit.

Never sit with the bottoms of your feet showing. Sit with your legs crossed or kneeling.

Never lose your temper during practice.

Pay attention; it is part of your training. Concentrate fully on Jiu-Jitsu while you are in the dojo.

If you need to leave the mat during training, ask the Sensei for permission.

When coming onto or off of the mat, bow towards the training area.

At the end of class, it is the senior student’s responsibility to ensure all of the other students are prepared and lined up accordingly.

To end class, the senior student will call the class to attention by saying in a loud voice, “Kioske!”

He will direct the students to bow to the Shomen by saying, “Shomen ni rei!”

He will direct the students to bow to the Sensei by saying, “Sensei ni rei!”

He will direct the students to bow to each other by saying, “Otagai ni rei!” Half of the students will turn to the left and the other half to the right to face each other.

The Sensei will end the class by saying, "Gokurosan rei."

Students will reply by saying, "Doitashimaste."

Remove your belt before you begin cleaning. All students are responsible for cleaning the mat and picking up after training. It is all of our responsibility to ensure we leave the training area cleaner than when we arrived.

Follow the example set by your seniors. Seniors, always set a good example for your juniors.