General Training Etiquette

• Address the instructor as Sensei (teacher).  Address the head student as Sempai (student of higher rank).
• Respond to general instructions and 'hajime' (begin) with 'hai' (yes - Pronounced 'hi').
• Any questions should be directed to the instructor by raising a hand.
• At the end of personal instruction from an instructor respond with a bow and 'arigato' ('thankyou') or 'arigato gozai-mas(u)' (thankyou very much)
• 'Onegai-shi-mas(u)': A request to train spoken when pairing off with a training partner. This request is acompanied with a bow, whether standing (tachi) or in seated position (seiza).
• Do not loiter when selecting a training partner.
• 'Arigato-gozai-mas(u)' (thankyou very much): This, acompanied with a bow, is to be said when ending training with a partner.
• 'Arigato-gozai-mashita' (thankyou very much for what you have done): This is to be said, following the traditional Iwama style bows/clap, at the completion of training, to Sensei/Instructor.

Etiquette for Weapons Training

• Weapons may only be used under the instruction or with the permission of the instructor.
• All weapons must be bowed in (facing shomen) before and after practice.
• Edged and bladed should be bowed in and out with the edge facing towards you and the kashira (pommel) to the left.
• Once the weapon has been bowed in it should be held in the left hand at the side when standing or placed on the mat at left when in seiza.
• During practice ensure that there is enough distance between yourself and others around all sides.
• Practice with control.
• While dojo weapons are available for training, graded members are advised to purchase their own (consult Dojo Cho Kerry Madden).
• Always know where your personal weapons are and ensure they are in good condition.
• Store them off mat when not in use.
• Never use another's personal weapons without permission.