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Remove all jewellery before training.
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Gi's must be kept clean and in good
condition.
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Remove shoes before walking onto the dojo
training floor.
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Finger and toe nails must be kept clean
and short.
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Hands and feet must be clean.
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Do not talk in class. Concentrate on what
Sensei is saying.
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The instructor is always referred to as
'Sensei' whilst in the dojo. You should never disregard a direction from
the instructor.
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Never intentionally try to hurt anyone in
training. The emphasis is always on control.
Bowing
A bow, rei (pronounced – ray), in
ASKA dojos is a demonstration of
respect, nothing more.
When entering or leaving the dojo, stand at
the doorway, heels together hands by your side in
musubi dachi (informal attention stance)
and bow, saying “Oss”. This shows
respect for the dojo, Sensei and everyone training at the dojo. Students
must bow in this same manner to their partner at the beginning and at the end
of training with that person. This too is a sign of courtesy and respect, it
shows good manners.
All bows begin by bringing the right foot into
the left foot to form musubi dachi. When with a training partner or in
general a class the student then returns to yoi position (Hachiji Dachi -
ready position) by moving the right foot out and waits for instruction
from Sensei. Never perform a
half-hearted bow
If you are late to class you must
kneel in seiza (formal sitting position) inside the
doorway at the edge of the training area and when sensei sees you, bow while
still in seiza. You will then be invited into the class. This applies to any
dojo you may train at.
The class will start with a
formal bow in with all students lined up in order of grade with the highest
graded students on the right hand side of the dojo facing the front (shomen)
of the dojo.
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On
the command Shomen ni rei, the class bows to the front of the dojo. This
is to put everyone in the frame of mind that the class has begun.
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On the command Sensei
ni rei, the class bows to the instructor and he returns the courtesy by
bowing to the class. This is a sign of respect and reinforces the fact
that the instructor in charge of the class.
At the end of the class again all
students line up in order of grade with the highest graded students on the
right hand side of the dojo facing the front (shomen) of the dojo.
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On the command Shomen
ni rei, the class bows to the front of the dojo. This is to formally
show everyone in that the class has finished.
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On the command Sensei
ni rei, the class bows to the instructor and he returns the courtesy by
bowing to the class. This again is a sign of respect and thanks the
instructor teaching the class.
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The instructor will
then say Otagai ni rei, the class and instructor bow at the same time.
This bow is to thank our partners and everyone who trained at the class
for being there and therefore helping with each individuals learning.
The class then walks off the dojo
floor in a dignified manner.
Important points to remember
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When Sensei speaks,
answer “Oss” if you understand or else say that you do not understand
what was just explained or asked.
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While Sensei is
speaking, do not:
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talk or fool around
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stand with your arms folded
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stand with your hands on your
hips or behind your back
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have your hands together in
front of your lap.
These actions are seen as
discourteous and disrespectful and show bad manners.
When Sensei
is speaking, correct etiquette is to stand in yoi (ready position) or with
your feet together and hands by your side in heisoku-dachi or in musubi dachi.
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