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Etiquette

Updated 1999




The Luchu practitioners of the way formerly trained in the countryside, in back yards and homes or in the palace at Sui and always in secrecy. Today, wherever we practise our art, be it the beach, a back yard, village hall or a designer built training centre, that place is called the 'dojo' (way place). Every seeker of the way respects the dignity of the dojo at all times regardless of its sometimes mundane setting. In Shindo courtesy is fundamental and essential. Every new student learns the accepted procedures from the existing practitioners and teachers so that they can fit in with the training and get on with the other members. The procedures exist to safeguard those training in very dangerous movements and to create the right atmosphere in which to practise. Some modern Occidental martial arts have attempted to assimilate Oriental culture and ways within their practises. In Shindo, this is not pronounced. We have an in depth understanding of Oriental training ways but recognise that we are of a different culture and social structure. It would be impossible and perhaps inappropriate to slavishly copy wholly Oriental ways and pretend to be Okinawans, Chinese or Japanese as the case may be. In Shindo, we try not to be overt and demonstrative in our ceremony. Rather, we prefer a quiet dignified and friendly approach.

    The dojo

  1. Before entering the dojo, adopt the right attitude and mind.
  2. The dojo is the place where courtesy and respect, humility and gentleness, diligence and fortitude are cultivated through the discipline of hard and conscientious study.
  3. A beginner strives to emulate the example of his or her seniors and learns and remembers the rules and procedures of the group.

    Courtesy

  4. Shinseido Shorin Ryu begins and ends with courtesy and respect. No one has a right to be a seeker of the way without these qualities for the very nature of the art would be changed irreversibly without them. A seeker of the way is one who practises courtesy and respect not only during the training, but at all times in his or her life. This means always seeking peace and having a care for all others.

    Respect

  5. The beginner learns the way from those treading the long path ahead. Those on the path ahead work hard to improve themselves and at the same time look back to those following and extend the hand of experience and wisdom. We respect this sort of mutual inter-dependence in which an open-minded relationship between all those on the path is maintained.

    Diligence

  6. Steady conscientious effort produces the best results. Diligence and fortitude is a part of the way, and it is for every seeker of the way to instil this virtue in the less experienced members so that they can overcome the many difficult situations that they encounter along the way.

    Entering the dojo

  7. Never smoke in the training hall. Smoking is clearly an incongruous pastime within any physical activity. Smoke laden air reduces the quality of oxygen available to the participants, who can use a prodigious amount while training. Outside the training hall this simply becomes a matter in which to exercise individual discretion, although, you might like to think of the beginning of your training as a whole new way of life and give up a habit that will only hinder your progress.
  8. Never chew sweets or gum in the dojo .
  9. Do not use profanity in the training hall unless as part of a specific training role-play. Vulgar language is discouraged because it denotes the possession of an inferior vocabulary and lack of culture. Indiscriminate swearing can bring discredit upon our art.
  10. Punctuality and reliability are natural courtesies. Always arrive before the start of a lesson, and never say that you will do something, then fail to keep your promise.

    Chores

  11. The floor must always be swept clean before training begins, and any tables and chairs must be removed from the training area, and placed in an appropriate safe place where they will not present a danger to practising students.
  12. The most junior students should always show a natural and spontaneous willingness to carry out these tasks.
  13. After a training session, the training hall must be left clean and tidy. Tables and chairs etc. must be returned to their original positions. The lights must be turned off and also the heating if it is not an automatic system.

    Training

  14. Don't wear rings, jewellery or other metallic or sharp ornaments when training.
  15. Always use the practise time before a lesson fully. Ask your immediate seniors to help and correct you.
  16. It is obviously discourteous to leave the class before asking the teacher. It is always best to advise the teacher beforehand if you intend leaving early.
  17. Members must never act in any way that may reflect badly upon the ways of Shinseido Shorin Ryu by boasting their achievements or using the art in an offensive manner. Members must not use their skills in any aggressive manner outside the training hall except in a real self-defensive situation.
  18. Do not teach anyone who is not a member of The Shindo Trust any techniques out of context of the natural order of things such as forms that you may have been denied access to yourself for months or years.
  19. Do not teach any member a form (kata) unless you have the direct approval of your teacher.
  20. Always let your teacher know if you are unable to attend a lesson, intend going away on holiday, or are leaving permanently. It is very bad manners to leave without a word, as the teacher puts a great deal of time and effort into the running of the establishment and organising your progress and the training programme.
  21. Always make visitors and new members welcome and help them to feel at home. Regard the dojo as you would your home. Treat the visitor as you would if he or she were entering your own home. It is everyone's responsibility to do this - whoever is nearest the door should stop what he or she is doing, excusing himself from his partner. One should then greet the guest in a natural and courteous manner by shaking the hand. Invite them to sit and watch. Talk to them and answer any questions that they may ask. Anyone can answer a visitor's questions, anyone can make the visitor feel welcome. Remember that a visitor will not know what to expect and may be feeling uncomfortable. The following feelings are common in visitors to the training hall:

    a) Open minded
    Interested
    Expectant
    Enthustiastic     		b) Uncertain
    Apprehensive
    Anxious
    Scared     		c) Irritated
    Angry
    Intolerant
    Resentful
    Those in group (a) do not need any specific handling beyond the normal courtesies, they are confident and relaxed. However, it may well be that the person, despite looking calm will actually be of the group b type. Those in group (b) are clearly in the majority, for it takes courage to visit a centre in which one knows little about the practices. Because it is sometimes difficult to identify a group b type person you should treat all visitors with kindness. Reassure the person and explain to them that all the members are caring and empathic.

    The person who falls into group (c) may come from another martial arts club. He may feel we are in competition with his group or he may feel that his 'style' is the only valid system that exists. Don't react to any intimidating remarks, treat him with respect and understand that his attitudes were encouraged by his teacher, allow him to watch, accept his ignorance for what it is and if you feel insulted (as if in your own home), quietly walk away and continue practising.

    Help beginners and lower grades to progress

  22. Never be dogmatic - realise that there are many other ideas and ways of doing things in martial arts. Sometimes, methods appear to be in direct opposition to one another. One teacher may teach differently from another in the very same training hall. This does not mean that one is right and one is wrong. They are simply different. Respect other teachers, schools and styles and learn from the differences.
  23. Remove your shoes before entering the training hall. Common sense must prevail here, and if the training hall is a village hall in which the floor has not yet been swept one clearly does not want to dirty one's feet by removing the shoes until the floor is swept and cleaned. It may be that you prefer to wear special training slippers. However, if the training hall is a purpose built and proper dojo it would be unthinkable to enter with the shoes on. The removal of footwear is to protect the floor and has no other purpose in our system. If you are not sure what to do, ask.
  24. Always bow on entering or leaving a formal training hall, then turn to bow to any teacher present. Bow when approaching or leaving the presence of higher grades.
  25. Always address the teacher as SENSEI whilst in the training hall.
  26. Unless as part of a training exercise, never run in the training hall - walk respectfully and quietly. Always go around the training area so as not to disturb people practising, (if that be the case) when going to or leaving the changing rooms.

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