Bunasawa-kai Dojo Etiquette

Listen to and follow Sensei's and assistants's instructions.

Show respect to each other.

Learn when to bow.

  1. This means you do a standing bow when you: Enter and leave the dojo (turn and face into the dojo when bowing).
  2. Step onto and off the mat (face the mat when bowing). Before and after practicing with someone (standing techniques or randori).
  3. Kneeling bows are for when you: Bow together at the beginning and end of class when we line up.
  4. Practice newaza (matwork).
  5. If you are late, make a standing bow at the corner of the mat by the door and step onto the mat. Kneel and wait for Sensei or an assistant to see you. Then make a kneeling bow to each other.

You and your gi:

  1. Make sure both your body and your gi are clean.
  2. Keep your toenails and fingernails short. No one wants to be scratched or lose a nail that bent back and tore off because it was too long.
  3. Patch rips or holes in your gi. Fingers and toes can get caught and injured in them.
  4. The left lapel goes over the right lapel (for both male and female judoka).
  5. The belt is tied in a square knot. A properly tied belt hangs 8-12 inches(20-30cm) from the knot.
  6. White gis are standard. Blue is optional.

Dojo DOs

  1. Always Sensei or an assistant before leaving the mat during class (this is so we know that you left).
  2. Tell Sensei or an assistant if you feel sick or dizzy during class. If you have an injury let him know before class starts.
  3. If you have braces, wear a mouthguard(Accidents sometimes happen).
  4. Help set up and put away the mats if asked.
  5. Go to the restroom before class begins. Don't forget your shoes when you go to the restroom!

Dojo DON'Ts

  1. No jewelry or anything made of metal (like support braces with metal inserts).
  2. No shoes on the mat.
  3. No gum or food on the mat.
  4. No drinking water on the mat.
  5. If there is a water break, you may bow off the mat and sip some water.
    6. Don't eat a heavy meal or drink a lot of liquid for at least one hour before class. (If you make a mess you clean it).
  6. No private conversations while Sensei is instructing.
  7. No impolite or obscene remarks or gestures will be tolerated.
  8. No horseplay!

Disciplinary actions for improper behavior (Hopefully not necessary)

In ascending order of severity:

  1. Verbal or non-verbal reminder (warning).
  2. Pushups or similar exercise (number to be determined).
  3. Must take a time out from class participation for a few minutes to reassess proper attitude.
  4. Must leave the mat area for the rest of the class.
  5. May need Sensei's permission to re-enter class. (Parents will be notified and must accompany student).

Parents will be notified if problem reaches a certain level and parents will be asked to cooperate in arriving at a solution to the problem.

You will begin to learn the basic concepts of the following techniques