Dojo etiquette – Get to know how to behave during a kendo practice at HY Kendo!

Preparing for practice

1. Arrive Early: Arrive at least 15–20 minutes before practice. Use this time to change, warm up, and prepare for the training mentally.
2. Proper Attire: Wear a clean keikogi (稽古着) and hakama (袴). Ensure your bogu (防具) is in good condition, straps are secure, and your shinai (竹刀) is free of splinters or damage. Make sure that the menhimo (面紐) is neatly put on your men. Remember that it cannot be longer than 40 cms long when it is tied.
3. Entering the Dojo: When entering the dojo, bow towards the shomen in an approximately 30° deep angle. Move quietly to your designated spot and arrange your equipment neatly.
4. Leaving the Dojo: When you get out of the dojo (whether that is leaving the dojo or just picking up some things from the storage) bow in an approximately 30° deep angle.

General Dojo Rules

1. Respect and Manners:
   • Show respect to all members. Address people by their preferred name, pronouns, and gender.
   • Greet others with a bow and politeness upon meeting.
   • Follow the instructions given by the to-ban (当番), who coordinates practice.
   • Feel free to use the language you are most confident in.
2. Behavior and Discipline:
   • Maintain a quiet, focused demeanor in the dojo during practice. Avoid unnecessary talking or distractions – especially when you are given instructions.
   • Keep the dojo clean. Assist in setup, cleanup, and maintenance as needed. Keep the storage neat and tidy.
   • Be helpful with newer members and help them if needed.
   • Refrain from wearing jewelry or items that can cause injury or damage.
   • Do not wear shoes when you are in the dojo.
   • Make sure that you do not lean on the shinai, or let its tip touch the floor when you are in a resting position.
3. Mindfulness:
   • Practice mindfulness and attentiveness. Always be ready to respond to commands promptly.
   • Be considerate and aware of space, especially during paired drills.
   • Quickly move to the new spot when doing the rotation between exercises.
4. Hygiene:
   • Cut your nails (especially on your toes) to avoid injuries.
   • Clean your gear so you do not stink at 07.00 in the morning
   • Make sure that you also maintain your bogu properly. Avoid having salty stains on the men, and clean it regularly.

Practice Etiquette

1. Starting and Ending Practice:
   • Follow the to-ban’s commands for seiza, meditation (mokuso – 黙想), and bowing (rei – 礼). Always bow correctly, keeping your back straight.
   • During practice, perform bows (rei) when starting and ending exercises, especially with partners. Say “onegaishimasu” (お願いします) before starting and “arigato gozaimashita” (ありがとうございます) at the end of the exercises.
2. Conduct During Practice:
   • Show respect by maintaining good posture, attentive listening, and prompt action to commands.
   • When practicing drills, focus on correct form and spirit rather than just strength. Ensure that the practice is also safe for your opponent by controlling strikes and following dojo safety rules.
   • Support those of lower grades by guiding them respectfully.
   • Remain open to feedback from seniors and instructors.

At HY Kendo (and in other kendo dojos as well!), the opening and closing are central to our practice, emphasizing respect and mindfulness. Here is how we act when starting and closing the practice.

Starting the Practice

1. Line-up and Seiza (正座): When the to-ban (当番, the highest-ranked or most senior member of the club) calls “seiretsu,” (整列) line up from left to right (in our dojo) by rank. Upon “seiza,” kneel into the seiza position, placing your knees on the ground with your back straight and hands resting on your thighs. Align your knees with the group. T
2. Mokuso (黙想): At the command “mokuso,” you can either close your eyes completely or chose a stabil point ahead of you that you can look at. Relax your shoulders, and breathe deeply to prepare mentally for practice.
3. Mokuso yame (黙想やめ): The command “mokuso yame” signals the end of meditation. Open your eyes and refocus on the dojo.
4. Shomen-ni rei (正面に礼): At “shomen-ni rei,” bow deeply towards the shomen. Place your left hand on the floor first, then your right, forming a triangle with your fingers. Keep your back straight as you bow, and return your hands in reverse order.
5. Rei (礼): On “rei,” perform a bow facing the line of practitioners. Say “onegaishimasu” (お願いします), meaning “Please practice with me,” showing readiness and respect for your fellow practitioners.
6. Men Tsuke (面つけ): At the command “men tsuke,” put on your men (helmet) with care, ensuring it is secure and correctly positioned. Make sure that the himo is tied at the right place, and that is tied correctly.

Closing the Practice

1. Line-up and Seiza: At “seiretsu,” line up and kneel again as in the opening.
2. Men o tore (面を取れ): At “men o tore,” carefully remove your men and tenugui (if you use the tenugui to dry your forehead, do it behind the men, hidden), place the himo and tenugui inside the men carefully before placing it neatly beside you, onto your kote.
3. Mokuso: Reflect silently on the day’s practice, taking a moment to internalize what you have learned.
4. Mokuso yame: The command “mokuso yame” ends the meditation, bringing your focus back to the present.
5. Shomen-ni rei: Bow deeply towards the shomen to conclude the session, showing gratitude and respect.
6. Rei: Perform a final bow to your fellow practitioners, saying “domo arigato gozaimashita” (どうもありがとうございました), meaning “Thank you very much,” to express your appreciation for the shared practice.

Shiai Etiquette

1. Entering the shiai-jo:
   • Bow at the edge of the match area, acknowledging the space. Step into the shiai-jo confidently and with respect.
   • Move to your starting position and wait for the signal from the referee.
2. Beginning the match:
   • Face your opponent and perform sonkyo (蹲踞), squatting with your shinai ready in front of you.
   • Upon the referee’s command “hajime” (始め), stand up from sonkyo, and begin the match. Always engage with full spirit (kiai 気合い) and respect for your opponent.
3. During the match:
   • Make sure that you show proper attitude during the match. Do not show your appreciation towards yourself when you make an ippon, or your disappointment in case your opponent would make an ippon.
   • In case you get a hansoku (penalty) bow to the main shinpan before continuing the match.
4. Ending the match:
   • Return to the center of the shiaijo. After the referee announced the result of the match, go to sonkyo at the referee’s signal to end the match.
   • Leave the shiai-jo with a bow at the exit, walking calmly and respectfully.
5. Other:
   • Do not clap on the shiaijo (this is mostly relevant in team matches).
   • Do not hit your do with your shinai when cheering for your peers.