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A KENDOIST SHOULD... Bow respectfully when entering or leaving the dojo Greet his instructors (sensei) and fellow students. Ohayo-gozaimasu (good morning), kon-nichi-wa (good afternoon), konban-wa (good evening). When leaving, sayo-nara (good bye) or oyasumi-nasai (good night). Address instructor as: Nakamura Sensei, Matsumoto Sensei. Assist in cleaning the dojo before and after practice. Upon changing to keiko-gi and hakama, take his place on the floor, put on tare and do, arrange the men over his pair of kote to his right, and place his shinai to his left. Not step over or kick a shinai or any part of bogu (armor) placed on the floor. Not lean his shinai, using it as a cane. Move with promptness, not slowly and slovenly. When necessary to walk in front of anyone, extend his right hand to his front, pointing toward the floor, and bow as he passes. Not converse unnecessarily during practice hours. Ask permission from sensei or any officer of the dojo, if necessary to be excused before the regular time. A zarel (bow from sitting position) is performed if the sensei is in seiza position. Ritsu-rei (standing bow) if sensei is standing. Keep himself clean, as well as his equipment. Toenails should be clipped for neatness and safety sake. Say – “onegal shimasu” or “onegai itashimasu” to each instructor before engaging him for practice, after which – “domo arigato gozai-mashita” should be said, loud and clear. Understand that RESPECT is the key word to any martial way of art; RESPECT for the dojo, RESPECT for the sensei, RESPECT for elders, RESPECT for fellow kendoists, RESPECT for your equipment, then – self respect will be attained. Know that each martial way or art has a place in this world. Thus one does not say unkind words or compare unfavorably one martial art to another.
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