Etiquette is important in the dojo because it:

• Sets the rules of behaviour
• Is integral to the creation of a respectful and attentive atmosphere which is conductive to learning
• Helps put all the distractions of life out of your mind such that you can concentrate on what you are doing
• Sets the rules and guidelines of behaviour within the dojo, which in turn helps prevent injuries.
• Is courtesy based on respect; for oneself, for others and for the Dojo (which literally translated means "place of the Way" )
• Etiquette in the dojo is not a question of rank.
  

General Etiquette

• Remove your shoes before entering.
• Bow before stepping onto or leaving the mat. Always bow in the direction of the shomen (front wall of the dojo).
• If there is a senior person present acknowledge his or her presence with a bow and the greeting Osu (pronounced "Oos"). This gesture shows respect both toward fellow practitioners and the art.
• It is usually considered polite to bow upon receiving assistance or correction from the instructor.
• It is everyone's responsibility to keep the dojo clean. No eating or drinking on the mat at any time.
• No jewelry should be worn during practice.
• Your Gi should be clean and mended.
• Fingernails and toenails should be kept short.
• Speak quietly and maintain an attitude appropriate for serious practice
• Carry out the directives of the instructor promptly. Do not keep the rest of the class waiting for you!
• Do not engage in rough-housing during class.
• During the class, any student wishing to leave the mat or to practice something other than what the class is practicing, must first ask the permission of the instructor.
• Do not talk or walk around while the instructor is demonstrating or lecturing. Talking on the mat during class is impolite and interferes with the concentration of other students. When discussion is necessary, keep it brief and quiet.
• Never stand around idly on the mat. You should be practicing or, if necessary, seated formally, awaiting your turn.
• If for some reason it is necessary to ask a question of the instructor, go to him or her (never call out), bow respectfully, and wait for acknowledgment. A standing bow is acceptable.
• It is usually considered polite to bow upon receiving assistance or correction from the instructor.
• It is important to be on time and to participate in the ceremony which begins class.
• If you arrive for class late (a practice that is not encouraged), it is proper etiquette to wait, formally seated beside the mat quietly, until Shihan invites you to join in. Once you step onto the mat, you should kneel at the back of class, close your eyes and meditate for a few moments to calm your mind to prepare for class. It is most important that you do not disrupt the class in doing so.
• If you arrive late for line-up, but before Shihan has come onto the mat, you should take your place in line after the white belts so as not to disturb the class.
• A good martial arts student will always conduct him, or herself, in a dignified, respectful and courteous manner.
• Treat your Teacher, Senior grades, Junior grades and fellow students with respect at all times.
• Be aware of the needs of others as well as your own needs.
• Develop a caring attitude towards others.
• 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, always sit to the left of seniors.
• 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.
• 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.
• During class, if the instructor is assisting a group in your vicinity, it is frequently considered appropriate to suspend your own training so that the instructor has adequate room to demonstrate.

Bowing

• The basic expression of respect and courtesy, which comes from Japanese culture, is the bow or Rei. This bowing, is not a sign of subservience but a sign of respect shown to the whole aspect of the Dojo, your Teacher, your fellow students training with you, and for the privilege of being allowed to study the martial art.
• These are two positions from which to bow - standing and kneeling.
• The Standing Bow or Rei Is performed with the feet close together and the hands, palm open and held close to the side (against the side seam of the trouser ).
• The Kneeling Bow or Rei performed from the hips. It is not just a nod of the head, dip of the shoulders or bending at the waist.
  This bow is performed from the kneeling position. To kneel, you should bend your left knee first, followed by the right knee. This originates from the days when the Samuri wore their Katana or long sword (usually on their left side). When sitting the feet should be crossed at the toes, with the knees about six to eight inches apart ( this is about as far apart as two fists side by side ). The hands should rest, palms open and down on the thighs. When bowing from this position the head should never touch the ground. You should look about 6 to 8 feet in front of you and bow from the hips. Your hands should be placed palm down. First left then the right. Once again this comes from the days of the Samurai. By placing the left hand down first it showed that you meant no harm, because you could not draw your sword from this position. The bow is complete when you return to the upright position. When entering or leaving the Dojo, you should stop just inside the doorway, and perform a standing Rei.
  Students

Start/End of Class

• Before a lesson begins the class will line up, in grade order with the senior grade nearest the door
• The class is opened and closed with a formal ceremony.
• Shihan announces, "Rei." All perform a formal bow.
• Shihan announces Sisen, then Moku so
• Shihan announces Rei meaning bow
• The highest ranked student announces, “Shihan, Shihan ni rei” meaning “Shihan we bow to you”
• The instructor (Shihan in this case ) says, "Otagaini rei," meaning "towards each other."
• Following Shihan, the class rises with right feet first, then left, to formal attention stance.
  

During Class

• During class, when the instructor demonstrates a technique for practice, you should sit quietly and attentively.
• After the demonstration, bow to the instructor and then to a partner and begin practicing the technique.
• When receiving personal instruction during class, sit and watch intently.
• Bow formally to the instructor when the personal instruction is finished.
• When the instructor is instructing another, you may stop your practice to watch.
• Sit formally and bow when he or she has finished.
• If you know the movement being studied and are working with someone who does not, you may lead the person through it. But do not attempt to correct or instruct your training partner if you are not of a senior level.
• When corrected by Shihan or another senior student, bow and say "Oos!” It is very poor etiquette to question a teacher's or senior's authority or technical knowledge, and especially so during a class. If you are confused about something, ask respectfully. Don't insist on your point of view.
• Always begin and end your training with your partner by bowing to each other.
• Respect those who are more experienced.
  

Ranking

• Ranks are valid only as indications of one's current skill level, maintained through active
  training.
• Your instructor may reduce or advance your rank as he or she sees fit.
• Promotion or reduction of rank is a teaching tool, providing an objective evaluation of your progress.
• Preoccupation with rank shows a lack of understanding. Anyone can buy and wear a belt.
• Belts are meaningful only as signs of demonstrated growth.
• When returning to the dojo after a lengthy absence, or when visiting the dojo of another system, always wear a white belt.
• It is customary to wear a white belt while recovering from sickness or injuries, to signal your partners and teachers that you are temporarily weakened.