Dojo Etiquette The information below serves to outline the typical Ninjutsu dojo, and the rules and practices of its use. So to begin we need to actually define what a Ninjutsu dojo actually is...
What is a Dojo The Dojo is the name of the place in which Ninjutsu (or any Japanese martial art for that matter) is taught and studied. This may be a custom built training hall, a school gym or any other building or room which serves this purpose. In the case of Ninjutsu, the dojo typically has a single entrance and a large matted area. The mats are of course essential to practice any throwing techniques. Some dojos may also have hard floor surfaces on which to perform non-throwing techniques.
Entering and Leaving Every time a Budoka enters or leaves the dojo he should perform a Standing Bow facing into the dojo. This is purely a bow of respect. Anyone who enters/leaves the dojo who does not do this will probably be spoken to by one of the dojo's senior grades about the importance of the bow in terms of the style's heritage, etc. Of course if a student is a novice who 'knows no better', or the Budoka is leaving to seek medical attention then the Budoka will not receive any harsh words. The bow is intended as a greeting/farewell to the spirit of the dojo or club, and it should act as the Budoka's first step in mentally preparing for the training ahead. The Budoka should try and leave behind his 'real-life' when he enters the dojo. Ninjutsu is a martial art and carries an inherent danger in its practice. Therefore to reduce the risk of accident, the Budoka should try to focus on training once they enter the dojo, putting aside the distractions of life outside the dojo.
How to Treat the Dojo The dojo should be treated with respect, and the state of the dojo is the responsibility of the students and the instructor. It is the instructor's duty to ensure that the dojo is in a suitable state to train in although senior grades should of course attend to issues where they can. Examples of an instructor's responsibilities are:
The dojo is at a reasonable temperature to train in. If the dojo is too cold, then unnecessary strains or injuries may occur. If the dojo is too hot and stuffy, then students can dehydrate too quickly or even pass out from heat exhaustion. The mats are clean and safe to train on. If mats are inappropriately laid out, they can move apart too easily - creating gaps that toes and fingers can slip down leading to accidents. The dojo should be free of rubbish and hazards. For example low hanging lights are not suitable for any session where throwing or techniques involving swords or stick work. A fully stocked first aid kit (and a qualified first-aider - of which the instructor should be one) should be readily available in case of accident. It is actually quite a common occurrence for some clubs to run out of tape and plasters because students with piercings tend to raid first aid kits to cover their piercings. Students should therefore be encouraged to bring their own coverings for such things. The fire exits should be clearly marked and accessible. Equipment required by Budoka should never be in the path of an escape route.
The student's responsibilities’ are also numerous, and apply equally to an instructor:
Never eat or drink in the dojo. There are some notable exceptions to this: Diabetic or other medical use. o Rehydration. Sometimes water breaks are necessary, but in cases where it may be o too frequent or far to go, the instructor may allow drinking water in the dojo, but as far as possible, the water should be kept away from the mats. Students with a medical condition should have and treatment (pills, inhaler, etc.) readily to hand and have explained to the instructor the relevant details for their condition and medication. No Budoka feeling the effects of alcohol should enter the dojo. This is as a sign of respect as well as safety since alcohol is known to slow reaction time.
Beginning and ending training
At the start of the session the most senior student / instructor will instruct the students to line up in rows. Traditionally this is on rank order but several strait lines are adequate. The teacher then faces the students, and the most senior student says, " Seiza (adopt a kneeling posture), The instructor or senior student will then place his hands together and say “shékin harimitsu daikomio” this is repeated by th e class followed by two claps a bow followed by a single clap . At the end of the session this is repeated by the student to the instructor at the end of practice are, "Domo arigato gozaimashita." "You have my respect and gratitude for what you have just done." This is the most respectful way of saying thank you. Please do not resent it if you are corrected on a point of etiquette. One day you may be the Instructor!
Parts of the Dojo Just as any other building or room might have specific areas set out within it, so a dojo may have different areas or sections. The diagram below shows some of the main parts of any Ninjutsu dojo.
Shoman - The front of the dojo, this is traditionally the northern wall, or the wall opposite the dojo entrance. Joseki - The right side of the dojo where the most senior students line up. Shimoseki - The left side of the dojo where the most junior students line up. Shimoza - The back of the dojo. Kamiza - Literally the 'seat of gods', this is the position taken up by the instructors and any esteemed guests of the dojo. It does not confer a godlike status on the person(s) taking this position; simply respect. Some dojos have a center piece for the shoman side of the dojo. This is called the kamidana, and could display anything from a picture of the founding master of the style, to a display of weaponry. The kamidana and or kamiza may be set within a recess on the shoman side of the dojo. This recess is known as the tokonoma.
Attitude & Etiquette
Ninpo Taijutsu allows an individual to act in a free and spontaneous manner. This idea of "formless spontaneity" is something that dwells within all of us, so it is nothing to be gained as such, but rather rediscovered for each one of us through dedicated practice. The art of Ninpo Taijutsu is not only based upon learning a set of motions or techniques, it is awareness of countless principles that allow a "technique" to happen naturally and approach each situation with a good attitude. Even if you have a good attitude when training, and are serious about what you are learning, you still may have an improper understanding of what is required of you. "A good attitude" is not always enough. What is important is for you to realize what direction your training is taking you and to develop your skills appropriately. Your Instructor will watch you progress during training sessions and determine any future grades using the following out line. But remember you must remain Teachable. Someone who is teachable and keeps coming to training will continually improve. They may not be the most talented student in class and it may take them a little longer, but they will get there someday because they are teachable and determined. People who are not teachable skip from teacher to teacher, style to style, and one day they reach their half empty goal when someone just like them gives in and gives them a black belt. Yet they don't have the knowledge of the teachable student who had the desire and determination to really learn and spent the same amount of time training. Take pride in yourself and your training; be good at what you do To this end grades are a marker on the path that you have taken and a reference point on the road to improvement as a person. In short why would you be given a grade for something you have already achieved? Surely a grade represents a point you must reach. With this in mind, Grades are given to those that show not just technique but body, fluid movement and power. Of course, these are just the physical skills, they will, to some degree, contribute to the growth of your spiritual power, however, this spiritual growth depends largely on your life experiences and let’s not forget such things as desire, determination as we grow, the ability to self analyse and assess. Your level of maturity is also a major factor in the awarding of your grade.
Jerry Beeston
