Etiquette
is an extremely important part of Kendo. The basic rules
come from the formal, highly stylised social system of Japan.
Simply stated, Kendo etiquette is based on respect -- for
one's Sensei, seniors, equipment, etc.
In practice,
it is not that simple. There is a prescribed method for virtually
every action, and failure to adhere to proper behaviour may
taken as a sign of poor instruction or, in some cases, as
a severe insult. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending
on your point of view), this is Canada, where the rules of
social conduct are much less rigid. Nonetheless, it is essential
to know basic etiquette in Kendo.
Basic
Etiquette in the Dojo
1. Never
deliver the traditional courtesies in a casual, off-hand
manner.
2. Stop
and bow when entering or leaving a dojo.
3. Greet
your seniors and fellow kenshi at the first opportunity,
especially the Sensei. Examples: ohayou gazaimasu (good
morning), kon'nichi wa (good day), konban wa (good
evening).
4. When
addressing instructors, use the title Sensei.
5. Be attentive;
listen carefully to instructions, and respond promptly.
6. Be aware
of senior members and follow their lead. Do not sit down,
finish bowing, or remove your equipment before your seniors.
When lining up, position yourself relative to your seniors.
Example: when seated, line up your men and kote, as well
as your knees, to those of your senior.
7. Be aware
of junior members and take care of them.
8. Always
sit or stand properly when in the dojo. Do not slouch or
lean against anything; especially, do not lean on your shinai.
Do not crawl to adjust your position when in seiza, or sonkyo;
instead, stand up and move.
9. When
taking the seiza position, put the left knee down first.
When rising from the seiza position, raise the right knee
first. Do not use your hands to assist in raising or lowering
yourself.
10. Avoid
walking in front of sensei, or in front of kenshi seated
in the seiza position.
11. Pay
respect to your seniors and fellow kenshi when departing,
especially to the sensei. Examples: oyasumi nasai (good
night), sayounara.
Basic
Etiquette Regarding Apparel and Equipment
1. Always
handle your apparel and bogu respectfully. Make sure they
are packed neatly, without dangling strings or straps.
2. Always
handle your shinai respectfully. Do not lean on it,
rest it on the floor, twirl it, or drag it. Make sure it
is well-maintained, free of splinters and with tightened tsuru (string)
and nakayui (leather strap).
3, Avoid
stepping over Shinai and Bogu when it is lying on the ground
eg.during Seiza etc.. Walk around instead if possible.
4. Wear
your keikogi and hakama neatly. Make sure the
keikogi is smooth, not bulging, in the front and back. When
putting on the hakama, put your left leg in first; when removing
the hakama, remove your right left first.
Basic
Etiquette During Practice
1. When
practising with your senior, thank him or her by saying onegai
shimasu at the beginning and arigatou gozaimashita at the
end.
2. Practice
diligently. Do not sit down during practice unless you are
fixing your equipment. Do not engage in idle conversation.
Do not let a sensei remain idle when he or she is available
for practice.
3. Do not
wear jewellery during practice.
4. Perform ritsu
rei (standing bow) and za rei (seated bow) properly.
Do not bend or arch your neck or back. Hold the bow briefly
before returning to your original position.
5. To draw
the shinai: First perform ritsu rei toward your opponent.
Bring your left hand to your hip and take three big steps
forward. Draw the shinai; assume the chuudan no
kamae position and go down into the sonkyo position.
Keep your back straight and look forward at all times.
6. To
put away the shinai: assume the chuudan no kamae position,
go down into the sonkyo position, and return the shinai to
your left hip. Stand and take five small steps back; drop
your left hand, and perform ritsu rei. Keep your back
straight and look forward at all times.
Caveats
As with
any question of etiquette, the fine points of Kendo etiquette
may differ from sensei to sensei, and the degree
of rigidity differs from dojo to dojo. Learn the etiquette
taught in your dojo.
Special
thanks to the SCKF |
