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KANO SAMURAI JUDO CLUB
Leave Your Ego At Home
JUDO ETIQUETTE
Out in the world, there isn’t much we can do to combat rudeness, the little moments of disrespect that we often encounter. Others seem to have a skewed idea of exactly what it means to be respectful, disciplined or compassionate!
Maybe that’s why the moments in the dojo are so precious to dedicated martial arts practitioners.
Modern life encourages an individual to act without thinking, to treat others carelessly, to feed the ego. By contrast, etiquette, discipline and a respect for others is at the heart of judo.
Philosophy Behind Dojo Etiquette in Judo
In the practice of Judo, we create a space where we can enrich our bodies and cleanse our minds of negativity. When you step inside a dojo, you should notice a feeling of discipline and peace. This is purposeful. We develop and nurture an environment where respect is paramount.
Etiquette is not simply a matter of tradition, nor is it a matter of “being polite.” It is at the heart of teaching and learning. Thus, the following norms of behavior can be found in any Judo dojo around the nation:
General Dojo Rules
1/ Make sure you are clean and well-groomed. Your feet should be clean when you step onto the mat, and your nails should be trimmed to avoid scratching your opponents.
2/ Remove all jewelry before you begin your practice. Do not wear sandals or street shoes on the mat. Remember: the way you look and present yourself shows respect for yourself, as well as your peers and your Sensei.
3/ Do not eat or drink in the dojo. Alcohol, cigarettes, and chewing gum are not allowed. You should not bring anything into the dojo that can hinder performance.
4/ Do not leave your gi at the dojo. Take it home with you to wash or air out. Do not leave personal items behind. Make sure you leave the dojo as clean as it was when you entered it.
5/ Move and talk quietly in the dojo so you do not disturb a learning session or group practice.
Training begins when you step into the dojo; respect should begin there, too. Dojo etiquette shows respect for others. Therefore, we instruct our practitioners to bow when they enter the dojo and leave the cluttered thoughts of the outside world behind. We also practice the following habits to demonstrate our respect and our gratitude …
During training
It is important to be on time. However, if you cannot be there at the beginning, be seated quietly in a folded leg position and wait for your sensei to give you instructions. If your uniform becomes disarranged during training, you should bow to your partner, and then face away to arrange it.
When you are ready, bow to your partner again and resume training.
Unless you are injured or ill, you should remain in the mat area while a class is in session. While the instructor is demonstrating or explaining a lesson, sit quietly and attentively. Keep your conversations on the mat to a minimum during training.
While in the Dojo
You should never shout at the instructor from across the dojo. If you need help, raise your hand or go to the instructor and bow before asking a question. Do not interrupt another student’s instruction; wait until your teacher is ready to address you.
A final word
Mutual respect means a lot of things: You respect yourself enough to conduct yourself responsibly – with self-awareness and self-control – you respect your practice enough to listen with your mind and heart to Sensei, and you respect your partners who make you better at your practice.