Proper Rei (bowing)
The beginning and ending of good dojo etiquette is the understanding that respect is something to be offered and not something we should demand of others. Respect is a display of good manners. Manners are what dojo etiquette is all about.
The first way we show respect in the dojo is by executing a proper Rei (bow). Upon entering the dojo a person should bow at about a 45 degree angle with head up but eyes downward. This bow should also be performed before stepping onto the mat area. This form of standing bow is called Ritsu-rei.
When it is time for class to begin, the senior member or instructor will call out "Shugo" (line up). The students line up facing the Shomen (front part) of the dojo. The line is formed in order of rank with the highest on the right. The instructor(s) will stand facing the students and with their back toward the Shomen. When the senior instructor kneels to Seiza (proper sitting) position, the remainder of the class will do the same.
The instructor will give the command "Mokuso" (meditate). All members close their eyes and sit quietly in effort to clear their minds to prepare for proper training. After a few moments, the instructor gives the command "Yame" (finish).
The senior student will then give the command "Kyotsuke", as the call to attention. Students make their bodies erect with their eyes facing forward. Then the senior student gives the command "Rei" (bow). The students and teachers perform a Za-rei (kneeling bow) to each other. It is customary for students to say "Onegaishimasu" (please teach us) while performing the bow. The senior instructor stands first, followed by the next in rank and on down the line.
After warm ups, the students pair off for practice. Before practice begins the training partners perform Ritsu-rei at about 15 degree angle with eyes focused on the center of the partners body.
If a student has a question for the instructor or for a senior, it should not be shouted across the room. The student should approach the instructor, wait for the instructor to acknowledge them and perform a proper Ritsu-rei before and after the discussion.
At the end of practice partners will perform Ritsu-rei and say "Arigato" (thank you). Students will line up in the same manner as in the beginning of class. After the entire class is in Seiza sitting position, the instructor may again call out "Mokuso" and "Yame".
The senior student will again give the commands "Kyotsuke" and "Rei". It is customary for the students to say "Arigato Sensei" while performing the Za-rei. This signals the end of class and the class stands in the same order as they did in the beginning.
Students exit the mat area in the left-rear corner, performing Ritsu-rei toward the Shomen area as they leave.
This all seems like a lot of ritual and is difficult for most westerners to grasp. However, it is a very important part of the dojo structure that helps keep order and build personal character.
Some people my believe that lack of etiquette will not adversely effect your technical performance. They are wrong. The discipline practiced while paying attention to etiquette will carry over to your practice of tactics and strategies and you will become a more disciplined individual overall.
Oss!
