Reigi is Not a Four Letter Word

Etiquette. For a lot of people, especially the younger set, that word conjures up images of arcane rituals that have no bearing on today’s world. I would like to offer another way to look at etiquette, one that will hopefully help people to understand that it can be a vital part of training, regardless of how you feel about carrying on tradition. First, lets look at what it is. At it’s core, etiquette is simply a set of rules for behaving in the dojo. Most groups who come together to train have similar rules, the military being one example. These rules serve many purposes. They establish and maintain a pecking order within the system. This is not so that one group or person is seen above another, but so that in times of crisis everyone knows their place and what to do. The dojo application of this is when a senior Sensei is teaching, other Sensei’s may disagree with him/her, but they don’t do so on the dojo floor, which would bring confusion. The rules create order from chaos. If everyone knows the rules on how to act, then the classes run smoother and we all get to learn more.

Sho-Rei-Shobu-Kan is a traditional dojo, so our etiquette includes things that are not as familiar to the average Westerner. Speaking Japanese, bowing, etc, may seem like they serve no purpose other than to carry on a foreign system, but nothing could be farther from the truth. At all times in the dojo we are told what to do with our bodies. We are told to go, to stop, to work, to rest. How often are you told what to do with your mind? This is where etiquette comes in. If you practice it like you do your drills, then your mind is always engaged. Discipline is as important to a fighter as strength or speed. Etiquette disciplines your mind. You’re not free to act the same as you do outside the dojo, therefore your mind must always be working, making sure you are following the rules at all times. It doesn’t mean you’re going to “get in trouble” if you don’t, but you are going to shortchange your training.

So, even if you think traditions are stupid, and don’t know why you have to bow to someone because, obviously, you are a way better fighter than they are, remember it’s not about that. If nothing else, think of it as another training tool. Without a disciplined mind, you may not be able to listen to your coaches instructions in a competition . Without a disciplined mind, you may not be able to remain calm in a crisis situation. The dojo will go on, it will survive whether you choose to follow etiquette or not, the only person you hurt by not doing it is yourself.

Gina Ethridge