Always remember that courtesy is the single most important aspect of Shindo training. When you enter the
dojo you leave all life's concerns behind you and enter a realm that is divorced entirely from the outside world. There is no
room for conflict in the dojo, no room for inter-personal tensions, egotism or the like. Be assured that a teacher or competency
evaluator will perceive your attitude the moment you walk into the dojo. You must adopt the correct approach to training and
competency evaluations or you will fail to progress and succeed. No matter what you think or feel you are there to learn, to
progress and further your understanding of a complex, difficult and sometimes dangerous art. It is an art that requires absolute
concentration and commitment.
Remember my dojo kun (training hall motto) - I will show: courtesy and respect, humility and gentleness, diligence and
fortitude. These words were chosen only after a long period of careful reflection. Always remember that regardless of any
relationship that you may have with your sensei (teacher) and his assistants outside the dojo, the activities conducted inside the
dojo do not permit of familiarity. Shindo training demands that you accord every member absolute courtesy and respect.
Unless you can make this total commitment to your training session, you should not attend. To learn to shed major problems on
entering the dojo and switch onto this different plane of existence is all part of the training. After all, nothing is lost; you can
always take your problems on again when leaving!
A competency evaluation begins when you enter the dojo for the very first time right up to the moment your rank is announced
after a competency evaluation. In other words, in addition to the performance you give at an examination, your entire previous
training record is taken into account too. Your attitude and the way you have behaved towards others in the dojo is of
particular importance.
Competency evaluations can be conducted in a number of different ways. You should never be surprised by anything that
happens in a dojo or at a competency evaluation. Learn to expect the unexpected and you won't have a problem. A senior
member takes for the most part the class at one end of the dojo while the dojo sensei and perhaps a high-grade assistant
facilitate the examinations at the other end of the dojo. This is the only time that a class in training remains absolutely silent.
When the examiner calls your name, immediately bow to the instructor taking your class. Leave the class training area, bow
again to the class in general, then quickly and smartly walk to the examination area. Stand in front of the examiner's table some
four paces distant, and bow smartly. After bowing go directly into yoi dachi and wait without movement. Look directly to the
front. If you have conducted yourself properly and with the correct balance of enthusiasm, humility, assurance and dignity, the
examiner will continue with the examination. If, however, you entered the examination area with (even a hint of) a brash, cocky,
arrogant, subservient, lethargic, or indifferent attitude the examiner may terminate the examination there and then. You are there
to convince the examiner of your total enthusiasm and good attitude. Listen to the examiner's instructions and do not act until
you are certain that you understand the instructions given. The reason for not understanding what an examiner asks you is
ultimately rooted in lack of practise and familiarity or because you genuinely did not hear or comprehend accurately. If you
want the examiner to repeat the instructions, you must ask him (or her) to do so. It is no good trying to demonstrate something
if you do not understand what it is that you are supposed to be doing. Use the competency evaluation requirements and
descriptions as a means of making sure you can understand all the terms and demonstrate the techniques.
The examination is not finished until the results are announced. Don't tall into the trap of showing emotion or poor attitude if you
feel the examiner has made things difficult for you or if you have made a mistake. Correct attitude always remains just as
important as the technical aspects of the examination.
My teacher said to me - "Remember promotion to higher rank depends upon the following: