Should you be invited to train, it is important to be aware of some basic rules of etiquette. These rules serve a dual purpose. First, they are a way of showing respect both for the arts in which we train as well as the people with whom we train. Second, they help to ensure the safety of everyone involved in training. The martial arts, particularly those that deal with weapons, involve some risk and these rules are designed to minimise these hazards. Below is a list of basic rules of etiquette. These rules are not universal, but rather outline the expectations of the Melbourne Koryu Kenkyukai. Should you be unclear about what is expected, please ask.
- Bow when entering and leaving the dojo.
- Arrive 10 minutes or so before the start of class in order to leave time for getting changed and warming up. Unlike many gendai arts, koryu do not usually include a warm-up as a part of the training. Hence, the responsibility lies with individual students to ensure that they are ready to train.
- Follow the directions of the teacher and the senior students. Lists of the senior students of the Melbourne Koryu Kenkyukai can be found here and here.
- Appearance should be neat and tidy with no visible jewellery (with the exception of wedding bands).
- No eating or drinking is permitted in the dojo, apart from water during breaks.
- Courteous behaviour is expected at all times.
- Do not teach or correct other students unless explicitly asked to do so.
- Weapons should be kept in good order.
- Do not touch someone else’s weapon without permission.
- When not in use, weapons should be placed against a wall with the blade facing the wall.
- Treat all weapons, even wooden ones, as though they have a live blade.
- If you receive a correction from the teacher or a senior student, the only correct response is “Hai”.
- Observe the way senior students are behaving and follow their lead.