There are three different ways in which the class may fall in when you attend a training session.

Wa-retsu - Assemble forming a circle

Pronounced 'Wah-ret-soo'. When the command 'Wa retsu' is given, without a moments delay, form a neat circle facing the centre. Each practitioner should be at least one arm's length away from those standing on either side. Wa retsu is an informal arrangement best suited for practise in smaller groups of students and/or practitioners. The order of lining up is random, no one has a special place in the circle. Always stand in the natural ready position (yoi dachi) until instructed to adopt some other position. This manner of assembly is used for the start and finish of a class and basic training on the spot

Shugo - Form straight lines

Pronounced 'Shoo-goh'. On hearing this command, without a moments delay, form neat straight lines. The direction you face depends upon where the teacher is standing. Always line up facing the teacher. Each practitioner should stand at least one arms length away from those standing on either side. You may find that there is not room for one line, and so will have to form two or possibly three lines. Check that you are standing in a straight line by aligning yourself with those standing either side of you. Always stand in the natural ready position (yoi dachi) until instructed to adopt some other position. This method of class assembly is used when large numbers are present (too many to permit the more normal circular assembly), for basic training stepping on the move, kata practise.

Niretsu - Assemble in straight lines facing a partner

Pronounced 'Nee-ret-soo'. Ni retsu literally means 'two lines'. When the command Ni-retsu is given, without a moments delay, form two lines down the length of the dojo (training hall), one line facing the other, so that everyone faces a training partner. Always stand in the natural ready position (yoi dachi) until instructed to adopt another position. You should stand at sufficient distance from your partner that even if he or she was to incline the upper body forwards (as in the case of a bow); he or she would not be able to touch you with the extended arm and fingertips. This normally equates with a distance of one and a half standard paces.