Dojo Etiquette / Rules

The Dojo is a place of sanctuary, discipline and mutual respect. If a student does not adhere to the following rules, disciplinary actions could result. Disciplinary actions could be in the form of an oral reprimand, asked to step off the mat for a given time period, being suspended from class, being asked to leave the dojo, being asked to find a new instructor i.e. being banned from the dojo or being asked to leave the Bujinkan completely. The disciplinary actions are at the sole discretion of the instructor depending on the severity of the offense. These actions are neither arguable nor negotiable. At the same time the instructor will try to make a fair and educated response based on the infraction.

1. You should never interrupt, argue, correct or contradict the instructor. If you have a comment to make to him, then you should wait till after class and discuss it in privacy.
2. Never talk while the instructor is talking.
3. If the instructor starts talking to address the class, you should immediately stop what you are doing and listen quietly and attentively. More politely you should kneel down in Seiza no kamae while the instructor is speaking.
4. Never be loud or disruptive during class.
5. Cursing, profanity and general inappropriateness will not be tolerated.
6. When the instructor is showing a technique, try your best to emulate what he is doing. Variations or “doing your own thing” is not allowed and is considered rude. By not following the instructors’ directions, you are saying that you know more than he does and that there is nothing for him to teach you, which is very disrespectful.
7. Practice in a slow controlled manner. We are all here to learn, showing off, bragging or causing injuries will not be permitted. Even though this is a contact art and injuries are inevitable, you can minimize injuries by practicing in a slow controlled manner. Students should practice at a “Steady” controlled speed agreed upon by both partners. No one learns anything if one partner is going twice the speed of the other partner and such actions are unexpected and can lead to serious injury.
8. Never resist / strong-arm or force a technique. We all know what is going to happen to us during a technique and we can all strong-arm our way out of it. However, such actions are “unrealistic”. In a real life encounter, things will be moving at full speed and we will not be able to anticipate your opponents’ next move to force our way out of it. We are trying to emulate a real life encounter in a safe environment which requires cooperation on both partners. At the same time, if a technique is not working or if you do not understand it, never try to force it to work, as you could injure your partner. Instead, step back and patiently ask for help or advice from your partner, sempai or instructor.
9. Competition between students or dojos is NEVER permitted.
10. Uncleanliness, Unkeptness or poor hygiene is not permitted at anytime. This is a very close/intimate art. No one wants to work with someone that is unkept, unclean or smells, also, it is disruptive to class. In addition, the following must also be followed;
    • Long hair must be pulled back.
    • Gi must be clean and free of odor, rips, holes and tears.
    • All jewelry must be removed as they could injure yourself or your partner.
    • Teeth must be clean and breath free of odor.
    • Inappropriate clothing depicting slogans or pictures of racial, sexual or anything that could be considered inappropriate will not be permitted at anytime. It is up to the instructor to decide what is not appropriate.
    • Only a traditional martial arts gi is permitted in the dojo. If you do not have a gi then a plain t-shirt with sweatpants and socks will be permitted. However, you are expected to have a proper black gi by your first rank test.
    • All open cuts and sores must be covered completely and securely. Also you must make your instructor and partner aware of these injuries so we can be proactive to avoid contamination.
    • Never come to class ill.
11. Hard soled shoes or outdoor shoes are never permitted on the mat. We spend a lot of time with our hands, face and body on the mat, no one wants to put their face down on the ground where someone has been walking around with their outdoor shoes on. It is the equivalent of inviting a stranger to walk on your pillow with his tennis shoes on.
12. Never be late to class. If you are late, then quietly sit down in seiza no kamae at the edge of the mat, but not on it and wait for the instructor to invite you into the class. Do not disrupt the class.
13. Never change or fix your belt or gi on the mat. If you need to change, then change either in the restroom, or in an area off the mat where you will not be disruptive or draw attention to yourself. If you need to fix your gi or belt then step off the mat and turn your back to the class.
14. Never point the soles of your feet to the instructor during times of inactivity i.e. when they are addressing the class. Such actions are considered rude in many cultures.
15. Never touch any weapons or tools that belong to the dojo or any of it’s participants without prior authorization by the owner of the weapon or tool.
16. It is discouraged to form romantic relationships with other members of the dojo as it could be disruptive to class.
17. Attitude is very important. Never come to class in a bad, violent or aggressive attitude. Only come to class in a peaceful, relaxed open-minded state of mind.
18. Non-Bujinkan guests are never permitted in the dojo without prior consent and notification from the instructor.
19. Never attend another dojo without prior consent from your primary instructor and consent from the instructor from the other dojo.
20. Real, “live”, sharp or dangerous weapons are never allowed in the dojo without the prior consent from the instructor. This includes, but is not limited to, bladed weapons, chained weapons, firearms, explosives, etc….
21. You should never be under the influence or in the possession of any illegal substance, narcotic or alcohol while you are in or around the dojo at anytime, no exceptions.
22. When you change partners, asked to take a break or when class is over, it is polite to bow to your partner and thank them by saying “Domo Arigato”.
23. Only those people with a good heart that are open to new ideas will be permitted to remain in the dojo.