Etiquettes

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Etiquettes are on the noticeboards in the Dojo. Printable copies of this document are below.
Dojo Etiquettes Page 1 - (1) The Mat Etiquette (50kb PDF)
Dojo Etiquettes Page 2 - (2) Attire, (3) The Weight Area (50kb PDF)

Contents:
1.0) The Mat Etiquette
2.0) Our Attire
3.0) The Weight Area Etiquette

Understanding that the DO-JO is sacrosanct; that it is a refuge for the body and a temple for the mind and spirit,
and understanding that the Dojo Experience is an experience of the mind, body and spirit.
It is therefore important that, as Practitioners, we understand the need to be in accord with the etiquette and rules of the dojo to enable us to fully experience Ninjukai Taijutsu.
To attain this, we must ensure that at all times we are in harmony with…

1.0 THE MAT ETIQUETTE

1.1 The Formal Bow (kneeling bow - Zarei): By custom, the class ought to be opened and closed formally with the kneeling bow (Zarei). The Kyoshi takes the responsibility for all opening & closing bows. All Instructors and students must lined up and the Kyoshi then walks into the mat area for the Opening Bow and likewise leaves the mat after the closing bow before the Class is dismissed.

1.2 The Standing Bow (Ritsurei): On entering or leaving the mat area the proper procedure is for a student to perform a RITSUREI (standing bow) towards the direction where the teacher normally stands.
Bowing is the Western equivalent of “shaking hands”. It is intended as a sign of respect and courtesy and not subservience. Members and Instructors are therefore required to bow when approaching each other on the mat area, either for training or other purposes.
It is proper to ritsurei to any opponent without exception, before and after any form of practice or when members approach or liaise with one another.
Late arrivals to classes must attract the instructor’s attention, perform a standing bow and then enter the mat when approved to do so.

1.3 Use of Honorific Titles: The following is the proper etiquette of addressing instructors, (a) The Chief instructor of 5th Dan and above should be addressed as SHIHAN (Grandmaster) at all times, (b) The Chief Instructor 3rd Dan & 4th Dan should be addressed as SHIDOSHI (Master) at all times, (c) Licensed Instructor (1st Dan) & Senior Licensed Instructors (2nd Dan) to be addressed as RENSHI or SENSEI during classes and within the Dojo, (d) Certified Instructors of Jonin Level (Brown Belt & Shodan Dai) to be addressed by their honorific titles of JONIN during classes and within the Dojo, (e) Senior Trainee Instructors of Chunin Level (Red & Purple Belts) to be addressed by their honorific title of CHUNIN during classes only, (f) Trainee Instructors of Genin Level (Green & Blue Belts) could be addressed by their honorific title during classes only.

1.4 Our conduct during Class: One must view a formal class as an opportunity to subject oneself to the humbling experience of self-realisation to know one’s true potential where one finds balance and harmony. Therefore, understanding that a proper decorum is necessary to run the classes effectively, the following conduct will be deemed improper – chatting, laughing, eating, chewing, standing with folded arms or showing indifference while the instructors are teaching or demonstrating, walking off the mat without informing the instructor.

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2.0 OUR ATTIRE

2.1 The full attire: It consists of the Gi, Belt and Hachimaki (+ optional tabi shoes) must be worn during classes and while training. No other outfit or shoes are allowed on the mat.

2.2 The Gi: Members are allowed the option of wearing the full Black Gi or the Camp Gi (camouflage). They are two separate set of gi's and members will not be allowed to combine the sets to wear. Gi's purchased from outside without the Society’s logo are not allowed.

2.3 Undergarments: T-shirt or leotard can be worn under the gi but they must be black in colour with no visible motifs.

2.3 New members: An exemption from the full attire for up to 2 months. They will however be expected to wear the hachimaki and attend classes with track-pants/shorts, t-shirt (black or dark blue). No shoes of any kind (except the Tabi) will be allowed on the mat.

2.5 Hachimaki: During training all members shall wear a cloth headband known as the Hachimaki. The colour of the hachimaki denotes the rank of the person that wears it.

2.6 Cleanliness, Hygiene & Cosmetics: The Gi is a reflection of the person wearing it; one must ensure its cleanliness and no cosmetic items like jewellery, rings, medallions, watches, nose & ear studs etc. should be worn once the Gi is put on. Long toe nails or finger nails must be trimmed to avoid injury to opponents and one-self.

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3.0 THE WEIGHT AREA ETIQUETTE

3.1 The gymnasium is an integral part of the dojo, it helps students maintain a good physical state, thereby enhancing their training prowess. Students below 15 years old are prohibited from using equipments in the gymnasium without an instructor’s supervision.

3.2 It is the duty for those who use the gymnasium to help keep the place organised, clean and tidy. Students must replace all weights they have used back on the racks or stands provided. Weights are not to be placed in an unsafe manner that could endanger others. It would be considerate to have a sweat towel to wipe down the equipment after use. Do not litter the place by placing towels or clothings on equipments or the floor.

3.3 Those training must be appropriately dressed (e.g. T-shirt, tank-top, singlets & track pants or shorts with shoes.). Training shoes must also be worn; no open footwear, thongs or bare feet permitted.

3.4 The Weight area is a place for serious training not gossiping or idle talking. At the start or end of a formal class or during a meditation session or when the Shihan/Kyoshi is talking to a class, there is to be complete quiet in the weight training area.

3.5 Students are responsible for their own safety and ensuring that they are familiar with the equipments they are using.

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