Cleveland Kendo Association

Etiquette

History Equipment Terminology Etiquette Mokuso

Etiquette

In Kendo, like many other martial arts, etiquette is an important aspect that needs to be constantly practiced and continually observed. Etiquette in the dojo is not designed to give airs and graces to senior members. Nor it is designed to contribute to the mystique of the martial arts. Etiquette is common sense, discipline and manners on the whole, and is an integral requirement for self-awareness and development. It is the means of conveying respect towards the dojo, sensei, sempai, peers, and towards the art of Kendo itself. It is perhaps the easiest facet of Kendo to transfer from the dojo to everyday life as concepts of respect, courtesy, and restraint become embedded in everyday actions and considerations.

Almost all of kendo has been regulated and systematized, which make it almost impossible to list and memorize all the possible points; this is at best an incomplete list. We are all learning and all make the occasional mistake but if you find yourself in an awkward position, correct yourself as quickly and quietly as possible, apologize ("gomenesai"), and return your attention to practice. Much of it is really just common sense and good manners in the dojo.

Opening of Formal Practice

Sei restu: Line up
Seiza: Formal kneeling positions (please be seated)
Mokuso:- Deep breathing meditation
Mokuso yame: End of deep breathing meditation
Shomen ni rei: Bow to head of the dojo
Sensei ni rei: Bow to the Sensei(s)
Otagai ni rei: Bow to the other members
- Everyone answers:"Onegai shimasu -Please (train with me)"
Men o Tsuke: Put on your Men (helmet)

Closing of Formal Practice

Sei retsu: Line up
Seiza: Formal kneeling positions (please be seated)
Men o tore: Remove your Men (helmet)
Mokuso:- Deep breathing meditation
Mokuso yame: End of deep breathing meditation
Shomen ni rei: Bow to head of the dojo
Sensei ni rei: Bow to the Sensei(s)
Otagai ni rei: Bow to the other members
- Everyone answers:"Domo arigato gozaimasu - Thank you (Usually shortened to arigato gozaimasu)"

Start individual practice

Rei: Bow to opponent
Onegai shimasu: Please train with me-
Sonkyo: Crouching "en-guard" position

End individual practice

Sonkyo: Crouching "en-guard" position
Rei: Bow to opponent
Domo arigato gozaimasu: Thank you very much (Usually shortened to arigato gozaimasu)

Basic Points

Whenever a Kendoist enters or leaves a dojo. He/She bows in respect of the dojo and those present.
A Kendoist takes off shoes and hat upon entering the dojo.
Upon entering or leaving the dojo, a kendoist greets the instructors in acknowledgement of their rank.
A Kendoist bows in respect to his opponent before and after each practice.
A Kendoist never walks in front of a seated kendo player wearing his bogu. If necessary, extend your right hand and bow slightly as you pass.
A Kendoist never touches the bogu of another.
Never step over a shinai, lean on it, or treat it with disrespect.
The novice will sit opposite the Yudansha (higher rank), or to their right.
If repair or adjustment is necessary, practice must be stopped and the other kendo player must remain in place (Sonkyo position in a match). When practice is ready to be resumed, players will stand and bow before continuing.
The men should not be taken off until the command is given at the conclusion of practice.
Never lean against the wall: Instead stand, kneel or sit cross-legged when resting.
Strive for good form and demonstrate proper fighting spirit.
It is impolite to be late to practice. All Kendoist should formally close practice together.
Gratitude is expressed at the end of practice. “Thank you very much… Domo Arigato Gozaimasu”

Basic Etiquette Regarding Apparel and Equipment

Always handle your apparel and bogu respectfully. Make sure they are packed neatly, without dangling strings or straps.
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).
Avoid stepping over Shinai and Bogu when it is lying on the ground eg.during Seiza etc.. Walk around instead if possible.
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.