Japanese Martial Arts Etiquette

Discipline in the Dojo is of paramount importance. Dojo etiquette is a code of conduct essential to the proper practice of the Japanese Martial Arts.  Without it their practice becomes meaningless. Self-discipline, mutual trust, and respect for one's opponents are essential to safe practice, please carefully observe the following procedure in the Dojo.

1. On entering the Dojo, bow (Rei).
2. On greeting one's Sensei (instructor), training partner or other budoka (practitioner of martial arts), bow (Rei).
3. NEVER walk on any training or contest area while wearing shoes.
4. Always wear zori (Dojo slippers or other foot wear) when proceeding from the change room to the Dojo area.
5. Students must keep their bodies clean, nails must be cut short, Gi's should be clean and well pressed.  Gi's must not be drawn or written on, and may only bear the official badges for Wado-Ryu.
6. No talking is permitted during training, unless absolutely necessary.
7. Members shall do their utmost to carry out the training as laid down by their instructor.
8. When asked to "line up" or called by the Sensei, always move quickly into position.
9. NEVER lean against the walls or sprawl about on the Dojo floor. Always sit upright (cross-legged or seiza).  If you are waiting for your turn to train with a partner, do not sit or stand about, but train in a similar manner to the rest of the class.  When listening to explanations by the Sensei, never stand with the arms folded or hands on the hips.
10. Students shall make every effort to attend classes on time, in the event that a student arrives late for class, the student will stand outside the training area, and await the instructors invitation to proceed onto the training area.