A short guide to some of the polite formalities on the mat.

 

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General

 

Teachers should be referred to as Sensei, which means exactly that, teacher. The Eigoku Bansen Kai is not a particularly strict school but as with many oriental arts there is a lot of bowing. Bows in this context are a matter of courtesy and respect rather than subservience.

 

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Beginning and End of Practice

 

A standing bow is required when entering or leaving the Dojo. Shoes should never touch the mat. It is customary to remove footwear as you step backwards onto the mat. A kneeling bow is necessary when you first step on the mat and when you are leaving at the end of practice.

 

At Eigoku Bansen Kai Dojos there is no particular order in the line up at the beginning or end of class. However students should remember when visiting other Dojos or on courses that many schools line up according to grade.

 

The Eigoku Bansen Kai begin and end practice with a double Shomen bow and four claps. Should you leave or arrive during practice you should still perform this bow.

 

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During Practice

 

Before and after practicing in a group or with a partner a kneeling bow is required. A standing bow is adequate when leaving your group temporarily. In some very strict Dojos junior students place themselves further from the top of the mat for the bow. A standing bow is also adequate when leaving the mat temporarily. You should inform the Sensei if you wish to do this during practice.

 

If the Sensei interrupts your practice of a technique to make a point bowing to your group is unnecessary. It is customary to kneel if the explanation continues for any length of time. It is polite to bow to the Sensei once they have finished.

 

It is very bad etiquette to walk between people while they are bowing to each other.

 

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In Addition…

 

If possible nails should be kept short. Open cuts must be covered. Obviously good personal hygiene is appreciated by those you practice with.