Dojo Etiquette

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Stop, and Properly Bow into the dojo when you arrive at the doorway before even stepping inside.

 

Stop, and Properly Bow INTO the dojo just before you step out of the doorway to leave.  As you approach the doorway,

you stop, you turn around so that you are facing the INSIDE OF THE DOJO, you bow properly, you take 1 step backward

out of the doorway, you turn around, and can now proceed to leave.

 

Salute (bow to) the head instructor if you arrive late or leave early. Bowing is not for worship or debasement, but is an indication of respect or trust, much like the handshake in Western culture.

 

If you need to speak to any instructor, you must wait at natural stance until the instructor acknowledges you.  You then properly bow to the instructor.  Only then do you begin speaking with the instructor.  After finishing speaking with the instructor, you say "Thank you Sensei", properly bow, take a 1 step back, then turn around and walk away.

 

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