| Mushinkan Dojo Student Guidelines |
| Reigi Saho (Etiquette) is one of the most important aspects in the discipline of kendo. The practice of Reigi Saho must never be overlooked and must not only be practiced in the kendo training hall, but extended into one's daily life. |
| "....it is reverence that is the first of virtues. Reverence naturally expresses itself in etiquette." |
| - Takahashi Tatsuo - |
| PERSONAL GUIDELINES 1. Do not be late for practice - Be at the dojo sufficiently early to allow for dressing and equipment preparation. (It is the students responsibility to periodically check the Announcements seciton of the Mushinkankendo.com website for schedule changes and other announcements.) 2. When entering or exiting the dojo, one should always bow to the front of the room regardless of anyone being present. 3. Whenever arriving or departing the dojo, bow and give proper greeting or farewell to those present. 4. Whenever taking the advance of an instructor or senior person (as when leaving the dressing room before or when passing an instructor to walk ahead), take leave by bowing and excusing yourself. 5. Instructors are to always be addressed as "Sensei", even outside of the dojo and in casual social settings. 6. Junior students should help tend to the instructors' needs, e.g., carry their equipment to and from the training area, prepare their equipment before practice and put away their equipment after practice, fold their keiko-gi and hakama, etc. 7. When an instructor enters the training area, everyone should bow and give greeting. 8. Expect to remain for the entire period of the practice, unless an instructor is otherwise notified before the practice begins. 9. Notify an instructor ahead of time if you will be late or absent form practice, or if you need to leave practice early. 10. If you are late to practice, sit off to the side of the dojo, perform Mokuso, bow to the front of the room and remain in Seiza until given instructions. 11. If absent from a class, it is the member's responsibility to contact a dojo member to get any information that may have been missed. (There are no make-up classes.) 12. Refrain from unnecessary conversation while practice is in session. 13. Students are not to instruct other students unless specifically directed to do so by the head instructor. 14. If not actively practicing, sit in Seiza or stand. Do not lean against the walls, sit in chairs or bleachers, or sit on the floor with your legs outstretched. 15. You must receive direct permission from the head instructor if you wish to: a. practice at another kendo school b. practice with another person from outside of our school c. participate in kendo functions outside of our own school d. bring a guest to the dojo to participate in the practice 16. Always keep yourself neat and well groomed at all times. 17. Wear presentable attire to and from the dojo. Worn, tattered, or flamboyant clothing is not acceptable. 18. The prescribed uniform is a white or dark blue keiko-gi and a dark blue hakama. The uniform is to be kept clean and is to be properly folded when not in use. 19. The uniform is not to be worn when traveling to or from practice, or outside the dojo as daily attire. 20. When going around others, try to pass behind. If for any reason you must walk in front of a fellow kenshi, extend your right hand in front of you, bow and excuse yourself as you pass. 21. Be constantly mindful of the courtesies extended to other kenshi. Be particularly mindful of the courtesies and respect that is to be extended to Senpai (senior members), regardless of their rank. 22. Understand that one's actions outside the dojo reflect on all members. EQUIPMENT (Back to: Home) 23. There will be no unauthorized use of the dojo's equipment. 24. Students are not permitted to take any Dojo equipment home with them. Dojo equipment is to remain in the dojo or in the custody of an instructor after use. 25. Additional uniform or equipment items (Protective pads, foot protectors/supports, custom/specialty items, etc.) must receive the approval of an instructor before use. 26. Refrain from touching or using any equipment that is not one's own, or has not been so assigned. 27. All equipment is to be handled with care and respect. Equipment shall NOT be handled or used in any way that is not prescribed through the course of instruction. 28. All equipment is to be examined before and after each practice for good functional condition. Faulty equipment is not to be used under any circumstances. FACILITIES & SECURITY (Back to: Home) 29. All students are expected to help prepare the facilities before practice, and clean and secure the facilities afterward. Everyone is to take part in keeping the facilities neat and orderly. 30. Any damage to the facilities should be reported to an instructor, regardless of who, when, or how the damage was done. 31. Do not disturb equipment belonging to other groups that also use the facilities. If something is out of place, return it to its proper place. PRACTICE SAFETY (Back to: Home ) 32. Do not leave any valuables in the dressing areas. 33. Immediately report any illness or injury. 34. Keep finger and toenails trimmed short. 35. Notify an instructor or senior student if you must temporarily leave the practice-area during practice. 36. Refrain from horseplay of any kind. 37. In emergencies notify the instructor or facility staff; or call 911, explain the emergency, and answer any questions the emergency operator asks. Do not hang up until the emergency operator tells you to do so. Return to the accident site to lend assistance. last updated: 13March2006 |
 |