Dojo Etiquette

        A dojo, by the nature of the activity that takes place in these schools of martial arts, requires a higher degree of amiability and cooperation among it’s residents. That is then reason for the discipline instilled in the students, by the Sensei's (Teachers). Therefore, the teachers apply a mode of discipline that is normally uncommon in any other undertaking or endeavor, in the United States , except for the military. There are similarities between the two, which are worthwhile discussing. In both, the individual is learning something, which is totally outside their background or upbringing. As a result, they will be thrown into a confusing world of strange and often counter-cultural to any teaching they have previously undertaken, at home or in school. The two arts, martial arts and the art of combat, require a discipline, which is beyond the essence of civilian life. These young people and adults will be required to view their peers as a team that they must become a productive member of, if they are to succeed. As a result, those military personnel who choose to undertake a course or lifetime devotion to the martial arts have a decided edge, upon their civilian counter parts. They are already indoctrinated in the disciplined life of the military, taking orders, being told to do something immediately and do it correctly and, at times, being publicly corrected. They are also acclimated to a rigorous life of hard work, long hours, often without praise or too much encouragement. I know and understand the feelings that new students and the newly joined military personnel, since I was not only in the USMC, but, at one point, was a platoon Commander over Officer Candidates in 1958, with two Drill Instructors reporting to me. Thereby, I was privileged to view the training as a boot and return to command the same boots. It is a totally different atmosphere, when you realize that the D.I.s don’t really hate the recruits. On the other side, I was a member of the student body of Sensei Nagle’s first dojo, in the United States . He was unrelenting, hard, mean (in our minds) at times and unfeeling over our physical discomfort. On top of his attitude, we were all Marines in that dojo and therefore, expected to persevere, whether they were hurt, dismayed or confused. That is where we learned Dojo Etiquette, which is uniquely Far Eastern in its tenets.

        If a student enters a traditional Isshin-ryu dojo, they will be subject to the rules and regulations of Dojo Etiquette. Regarding youngsters, I have found that this discipline, which in some ways parallels the Code of the ancient Samurais, will have a positive effect upon these young people. Often, in this era especially, but also in the past, young people are self willed beyond their capability to know what is best for them and are at an age and in an environment where they are spoiled beyond their parents ability to change their attitude. They may even have subtly taken control of their home environment. Often, over decades, I have had parents come to me, with thanks for bringing discipline to their children’s lives and making them a constructive personality, doing well in both the home and school settings.

    This is the discipline of the dojo, for young and adult students.

Either the Master of the dojo, or a Sensei of lower rank, who is a student of the Master, will take new students aside. They will be given a copy of the Master’s Manual for Isshin-ryu, The Art of Combat Fighting. It will entail everything that they are about to learn, including dojo etiquette.

·        First, the student will be instructed to always conduct themselves in a courteous manner to their peers and, especially to those of higher rank. If they are seeking specific knowledge of a portion of some aspect of the art, that they have just learned, they may approach the Instructors. If the Instructor is speaking to someone else at the time, they must wait patiently and quietly, without interrupting the Instructor. When the Instructor finishes his conversation, the student should bow to the Instructor and then ask their question, starting by using the title of the individual he is addressing and, simultaneously bowing, with hands at their sides. If the student is not addressing an Instructor but is questioning a higher rank Kyu (student rank), he should still bow and start with Mr. “Doe,” I was hoping that you could help me with the fifth basic exercise, or whatever information the student seeks. If they are going to ask one of the Instructors (Dan rank) they should know the proper appellation of the specific Dan they are approaching. It is always proper to address an Instructor as Sensei (Teacher). In traditional Isshin-ryu a Dan must be at least a third Dan or San Dan, in order to become recognized as a teacher. He is then respectfully called Sensei. Often, there will be only one Sensei at a dojo. But in a dojo such as Master Passero’s, or Master Temple ’s or that Of Mr. McGrath, there may be several Sensei's’ on the deck, working out, with the students or teaching. Some of these Sensei's may be of high rank due to the length of time that individual Masters have been teaching. In that case, those who have reached the rank of sixth Dan or Roku-Dan to eight Dan or Hachi Dan must be addressed as Kyoshi. They will be designated by wearing an alternating red and white vertically striped Obi (Belt) with the white stripes notably wider than the red stripes. Ninth and Tenth Dans wear alternating red and white vertically striped Obis with the red stripes notably wider than the white stripes. These Dans will be referred to as Hanshi. In the case of a Tenth Dan or JU-Dan, they should be the leader of the style and the honorably designated successor of a decedent leader. In Master McGrath’s case, Grand Master expressed his wish, that Mr. McGrath should become the head of Isshin-ryu, after Grand Master Nagle’s death. As the student addresses the Instructors he will bow and hold the bow, until the Instructor returns the bow.

·        The attire of the student will be an official Gi (Uniform), closed properly and spanned by an obi that certifies the students present rank. This uniform will display the Mizu-Gami Patch of Tatsuo Shimabuku’s design, on the left side of the Gi top. In Mr. McGrath’s school, the students will also wear the Master’s school insignia, “The Essence Patch” on the upper right arm of the Gi top. The Gi will be freshly washed and pressed, after each workout.

·        Students will not speak amongst each other, while being instructed by one of the Sensei's. This is distracting to the Instructors and will not be tolerated. No student, without being acknowledged first by the Instructor, should interrupt an instructor to ask a question or look for further clarity of the discussion. If not acknowledged by the Instructor, the student should wait for a break or at the end of the session, approach the Instructor and ask their question.

·        When coming on or leaving the deck, the student must face the picture of the Soke of Isshin-ryu, Tatsuo Shimabuku and bow, reverently. This is not a religious practice, but, simply a display of appreciation and caring, in regard for the gift of Isshin-ryu, which the Soke created. Under any circumstance no one should enter or leave the deck without a bow of respect.

·        No running, whistling or any other show of disrespect will take place upon the deck.

·        During Ippon Kumite or Ju-Kumite, the students will remain quiet, without comment, while listening to the instruction of the Sensei on the deck. Follow the instruction you are given during either of these sessions, so that you do not create a dangerous atmosphere for yourself or other students. Both of these disciplines require your concentration to rule out mistakes or injury, no matter how slight. Among students, only brown belts may utilize these techniques without full supervision. Brown belts are proficient enough to practice with great care and understanding.

·        Animosity of any kind amongst students, will not be tolerated. Grudges, internal grievances will be brought to the attention of the Sensei's and settled by them. A group of karate-ka in a dojo is considered to be members of a family and to act as such. It will not be a dysfunctional family. Anyone who sows seeds of discontent, on a continuous basis, will be dismissed from the dojo.

·         When attending class, all students will leave all jewelry at home, in order to circumvent any scratches or cuts, due to rings, etc. during Ippon or Ju-Kumite. This will also keep anyone from losing or having another student remove another students property. Any student who is caught stealing or damaging property of another student will be dismissed and the dojo will inform the police of the incident. There must be clear and total trust in the dojo amongst students. Students will also see that their finger and toe nails are cut short to avoid scratches that might cause infection. Your body must also be clean for each session.

·         During JU-Kumite, the students will remain quiet and without comment during the matches. The contestants will neither make remarks to the judges or their opponent. Dissing another student is considered out of order for the martial arts and outside of the Isshin-ryu attitude, within a dojo. All matches will be supervised and the opponents will use safety equipment. Light to medium contact to the body is anticipated, but only the lightest contact to the head will be allowed. All students will wear head safety gear and gloves. Instructors will not allow techniques to critical or dangerous areas, such as, the groin, back of the neck, eyes, throat, kidneys or knees.

·        During class and especially while being instructed, students will not be allowed to leave the deck, without gaining the Instructors attention, telling them the reason for leaving the deck and obtaining permission to do so.

·        In all things, students will be guided in all that they do, at the dojo, by the “Golden Rule,” “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.”

·        Outside of the dojo, the “Golden Rule” should guide your contact with strangers. Unless you are attacked, the Instructors rely upon all of the students to avoid altercations, arguments and confrontations, if at all possible, without being harmed by an assailant. A good friend of mine, Ed Parker the original head of Kempo karate in the United States and Television star, said, “We may run from a fight, but martial artists will run with confidence.” If a confrontation is inevitable and unavoidable, because the assailant is intent on causing you harm, even after you have justified your position and stated your reluctance to fight, then you are only allowed, what the law refers to as, “necessary violence,” in other words, once you have blocked the attack and struck the aggressor, incapacitating him, you must not seek to injure him further. You will be arrested if you do, continue your attack. However, attempt to make sure that your technique has ended the aggression, since you don’t want them to attack you from behind. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Be suspicious, be alert. Do not enter a dangerous area, or place.

Questions or Comments? Please e-mail: thedojo@aokaincmcgrath.com