The Silk Thread of Gorindo - Ottawa - Canada
Issue 16
- Twin Block - Chudan Kakiwake-uke
Photo cover "Roxanne Standefer sensei under the Bank Street Bridge - Ottawa" by ©2012 Claudio Iedwab
Dojo's Guidelines & Rules
Custom in the Dojo Proper
• Remove shoes before entering and leave them at the entrance. Place them neatly on a shelf or out of the way keeping the area clear where people have to walk. Keep the carpet dry and clean. Traditionally shoes were left with the toes pointing to the outside so that the samurai could jump into them quickly if necessary.
• Bow to the dojo and your sensei when entering and leaving. This is a manner of respect and modesty. It also helps the sensei to know who will participate in the class so that he or she can balance the plan for that days training.
• During training there may be times when your gi becomes dishevelled or your obi may come untied. When this happens you should turn towards either the back wall (shimoza) or side walls (joseki or shimoseki) and fix it. It is impolite to turn towards the shomen or the sensei to fix your gi.
• The proper way to sit while you are in the dojo is in seiza, or agura, cross legged. Never with the legs extended because somebody who is training can trip or step on you causing injuries; and never lean against the walls, you must be alert all the time. Practice good posture.
• Visitors are generally welcome in the Go Rin Do dojo. Ask sensei first and take responsibility for making your guest known to others and comfortable during their visit.
Behavior and Rules
• The offices are private. Please knock.
• The School is strictly a smoke-free zone.
• Chewing gum, candies and lozenges are strictly forbidden. They can cause you to choke. Avoid eating in the dressing rooms or lobby (and the training area of course) Ensure that empty juice or water bottles are placed in the recycling container.
• You are responsible for your own valuables.
• It is also your responsibility to see that your safety gear is kept clean and in good condition.
• Fooling around in a dojo is dangerous and is not allowed. The time between classes is for warm-up, cool down and kata practice only. This is not the time to demonstrate your gymnastics techniques, high kicking, sparring or general showing off.
Hygiene and Personal Stuff
• Maintain a high level of personal hygiene, including washing of hands and feet prior to training. Ensure that finger and toe nails are cut short and have no sharp edges. Do not use make-up, perfumes, sprays or linaments, because some people are sensitive or allergic to these smells and the heat and intensity of training magnifies their effects. Also lipstick is difficult to remove from the gi. Please do not fill the air in the dressing rooms with aerosol sprays.
• Frequent washing of the keiko-gi or uniform is required, it should be clean and in good condition at all times. Do not wash the coloured belt with the white gi. The white t-shirt may be worn under the gi. The top of the gi should be folded with the right hand side to the inside and the left side covering the outside. This Japanese custom is only reversed when a person is being prepared for burial.
• The obi, belt, should be tied with the ends being of equal length. This is the final action before entering the dojo area and should be an action of further awareness and focus on training.
• Remove any jewellery and watches before training to prevent possible injury to yourself or others. If you must train with your glasses ensure that they are secure on your head or invest in safety sport glasses. Tie your hair back.
• Please do not leave your gi or towels in the change rooms unless you are planning to train again later the same day. Other students will require the hooks and hangers and it is then easier to keep these rooms smelling clean and fresh.
• It is everyone’s responsibility to keep the dojo clean. Please clean up after yourself, especially in the washrooms. Try to contain the water in the shower. Use the mop or sponges (look under the sink) to wipe up water so that you or your fellow student does not slip and fall.
• The sensei and sempai vacuum, clean and disinfect regularly, but less time and energy spent picking up after others will allow them to spend more teaching time with you. Remember that traditionally a student is an invited guest to the sensei’s home. The state of the dojo is a reflection of the internal state of its students.
by Claudio Iedwab & Roxanne Standefer
Originallly published in the Gorindo Student Manual by Claudio Iedwab & Roxanne Standefer
©2011 Photo by Claudio Iedwab
- Twin Block - Chudan Kakiwake-uke
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