ETIQUETTE

   Kendo etiquette, or reigi, is a set of rules for behavior that is based on respect and is to be followed by all practitioners. The purpose of which is common sense, dicipline and manners that is integral for self awareness and development. Failing to adhere to proper etiquette can be taken as a sign of poor instruction and in some cases as an insult. This is especially important when visiting other dojo since strict aherence, or a failure thereof, reflects not only on you but your dojo as well. When visiting other dojos always follow their rules for etiquette if they differ from what you are used to.

In the Dojo

• Always bow before entering and leaving the dojo. Enter with socks and shoes off and hats and jewellery removed.
• Make sure that the floor has been swept. Don't wait for someone else to do it and if someone is already in the middle of it, offer to take over after a short while.
• When entering before practice and leaving at the end, greet and pay respect to the sensei and sempai first.
• Sit in seiza (formally, on your knees) when putting kendo bogu on and do it quickly.
• Do not sit down, finish bowing, or remove your equipment before your seniors.
• When sitting line up your knees, shinai, kote and men relative to those of your seniors.
• Be aware of junior members and take care of them.
• Do not crawl to adjust your position when in seiza, or sonkyo. Stand up to move.
• If you arrive to practice late stretch quickly and join the group right away.

When Practicing

• Do not chat with others or goof around. Always look at and give your full attention to instructors when they are talking.
• Don't make people wait. Always hurry when lining up, getting into poistion for keiko, moving to the next person to practice with, etc.
• Walk behind people whether they are in seiza (sitting) or standing. This is especially true for sensei. If this is not possible then extend your right hand and bow slightly as you pass by.
• Ask for permission to sit or rest and only if you need to. Never lean against the wall or on your shinai for support.
• It is customary etiquette to say very loud and clearly, "onegaishimasu" while bowing before engaging for practice and "arigato gazaimashita" at the final bow.
• Shidachi is the first to strike. When fighting with a senior kendoka it is good etiquette to strike first. This allows the senior person to appraise your level and cater to your needs.
• Never instruct others unless you have been told to do so by the lead instructor. It is important to let less experienced participants learn by observation and improve their reaction speed. They will learn faster by doing it than by having someone tell them how to do it.
• Do not let a sensei remain idle when he or she is available for practice.
• Practice with vigor and concentration. Try hard and take practice seriously as this will improve your kendo. Your practice partners rely on your full effort to get the most out of practice just as you rely on theirs.
• Make sure you have a clean hakama and gi
• Make sure your toenails are trimmed
• If you feel ill or need to leave the floor early for any reason, ask permission from the Sensei or a sempai first so someone knows where you are.
• If a Sensei or sempai issues an exercise command the class should respond "Hai!"(Yes, or I understand) to show they are paying attention. Same as the Sensei or sempai finishes discussing a technical or philosophical point that should be considered by the class, the correct response is "Hai!"

Equipment

• Treat a shinai as if it were a real sword. Never lean on it or swing it around carelessly. Never grip the "blade" portion during keiko.
• Check and fix your shinai and other equipment before and after practice. Sand it or remove splinters outside the dojo.
• Never leave your shinai in the way of others. If rested against the wall it should stand with the handle on the ground.
• Handle your apparel and bogu respectfully. Make sure they are packed neatly, without dangling strings or straps.
• Wear your keikogi and hakama neatly. Make sure the keikogi is not bulging in the front and back.
• Never touch part of the bogu/dogu or equipment of another kendoka unless requested or invited to do so. Walk around the shinai and bogu of other kendoka.
• When performing seiza, place the shinai down sakigawa first, the tsuba last with the sakigawa gently touching the ground. No noise should be produced and make sure it will not roll sideways.
• When placing the kote down it is customary to place the left first, than the right, kotegashira (fist) facing right, adjusting them so that they are in line with those of the person on your right, finally carefully placing your men on top.
• If your equipment becomes loose or untied raise your hand to signal that you need to stop. Go to an area of the dojo out of the way of others for safety and sit in seiza to retie or tighten it. Do this without delay.