Dojo Etiquette Document

KENSHIKAN DOJO | 91 ROSSLYN STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003

MELBOURNE BUDOKAI

Last updated: July 2026

Dojo Etiquette is the manner in which each student and teacher expresses discipline and respect when training in the Dojo.

We practice etiquette at all times to build character and integrate as a group to better focus on our training.

Etiquette is displayed to the Dojo (training hall), your Sensei (teacher), and to each other. Proper etiquette must always be displayed in a friendly and respectable manner towards Sensei (teachers), Senpai (senior students) and every other member of the club.

The Sensei of the Dojo is regarded as complete master within the realms of Kendo/ Iaido / Naginata. Their word is law within the Dojo. They should be treated correctly and with respect at all times.

Below are several key forms of etiquette required when training. Please note that this list is not complete and so there may be times when a sensei or senpai corrects you. It is okay to make mistakes, as long as you understand and remember what to do for future reference.

Key Terms:

  • Weapon – shinai, naginata, iaito, bokuto etc.
  • Dojo floor – the part of the floor where training is conducted

Preparation

  • Punctuality: arrive no later than 15 minutes before the practice start time. This is to ensure that there is enough time to change and to help with the dojo clean-up. Late arrival for training is not tolerated unless there are unavoidable reasons out of your control.
  • Where possible, all jewellery must be removed before class, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and piercings. This is both a matter of tradition and safety. The only exception has been to permit wedding rings to be worn.
  • Smartwatches and fitness trackers are not permitted, even for tracking exercise. Phones must be silenced and kept off the dojo floor.
  • Students are expected to help clean the dojo before and after each class, where applicable.
  • NO SMOKING (including vaping) in the Dojo or the surrounding area of the Kenshikan.

Entering / Exiting the Dojo

  • Shoes and hats must be removed upon entering the Dojo. Training is performed without shoes, though tabi socks may be worn. Leave your shoes by the door upon entering the dojo.
  • The Dojo is a place of respect. Whenever entering or leaving the dojo floor make a correct standing bow to the front Shomen (front). When leaving the dojo floor, reverse the procedure: bow, then step off backwards.
  • If required to leave the dojo floor early, respectfully wait for the sensei’s attention and bow before leaving, unless urgent.

Reiho

  • The Sensei (for kendo, Rokudan-Renshi and above) sit on the Sensei side of the Dojo.
  • The Sensei side can differ depending on the layout of the Dojo. This can be either on the same side as the Shomen/ Front or another side. All others sit opposite to the sensei. Senior grades are positioned closest to the Shomen/Joseki (if the Sensei position is to one side of the Front), with lower grades to their left. At the Kenshikan the position is on the Shomen side.
  • In the situation where a student is not training with their Men on or had to take their men off prior to the end of training, they should still line up in their normal grade order during opening and closing reiho.
    • If their Men is already off, then holding it correctly in their right arm ready to sit in Seiza. If no Men was used throughout the training, then still the same format.
    • The only exception is when the reiho is already in progress or may inconvenience other members or proceedings. In that case, affected members may sit at the end of the line.

During Class

Breaks/Disruptions

  • Avoid taking unnecessary breaks during class.
  • Water breaks are not always given as this impacts on the training time. If a water break is given and the practitioner has their Men still on, they must go to the designated place within the Dojo and remove their men before drinking water. Straws in water bottles and used to fit between the bars of the Men-gane is not permitted unless you are a junior member.
  • Try not to be late for class. If you are late, kneel by the side of the dojo floor and wait until the Teacher/instructor invites you to join. Bow before stepping onto the dojo floor. If you missed the warm- ups, stretch briefly at the back before joining a group and ask permission before joining. Complete your reiho properly.
  • If you must leave the Dojo floor during training for any reason, first seek permission from the Dojo steward or the Sensei.
  • If you must remove your armour during training for any reason, first seek permission from the Dojo steward or the Sensei.
  • Within the Dojo area, armour should only be put on or adjusted from seiza. Any exemption to this requirement must be obtained from the Sensei or instructor.
  • If armour must be adjusted during practice:
    • ideally you should move off the Dojo training area to the side, or the wall opposite to Shomen (window side). Adjustments must only be made from seiza.
    • if you are on the Sensei side, armour can be fixed as long as it is done in seiza and in the corner/side of the dojo and able to be done in a safe manner and does not interfere with the training.
    • adjusting equipment may differ depending on type of training. If the training format is only having the Sensei out in front (e.g. sensei keiko), then the students must not adjust their equipment on the Shomen side.
    • the training partner waits until the adjustment is made. Bow to your partner to recommence practice.

Participation

  • Class time should be focused on training. If you have a question, quietly ask the teacher or a senior student off to the side. Do not interrupt the flow of instruction.
  • Responses to teachers/instructors should be brief and respectful. “Hai” (yes) is appropriate.
  • Bow to your opponent at the start and finish of each practice.
  • During practice there should be no talking between participants. The training session is a time of learning and not a time for discussion or gossip; there is time enough for this afterwards.
  • The final rei marks the end of the training session and students are free to leave the Dojo. However, Bogu and shinai should be properly packed away before leaving the Dojo.

General Etiquette

  • Equipment and other bags should not be carried into, or within the Dojo slung over the shoulders. Remember that your bag and weapon are respected pieces of equipment through which you are able to learn and train. In times of old these were treated as the soul of the samurai.
  • The Shinai, Naginata, Bokuto, Iaito, or practice sword represent real weapons; they should never be leant on, dropped or handled in any other way than one would handle a valued (not to mention exceptionally sharp) katana.
  • Bogu bags with wheels should not be dragged over the Dojo floor.
  • Refrain from using foul/ indecent/ or inappropriate language within any area of the Dojo.
  • Do not lean or rest your back (either standing or sitting) against the walls of the Dojo.
  • Do not walk in front of any practitioner who is seated on the Dojo floor. If this is unavoidable, bow slightly and extend your right hand in front of you as you pass.
  • If you must pass in front of another practitioner who is standing (e.g., in crowded spaces), bow slightly and extend your right hand in front of you as you pass.
  • If relaxed sitting is permitted, sit with legs crossed and back straight. Ensure feet are covered by hakama. This is the only other acceptable sitting position in Dojo other than seiza. Do not allow yourself to slump.
  • Do not move another practitioner’s armour or equipment unless asked to or permission is given by the owner.
  • Do not step over any weapon, instead walk around it.
  • Bogu racks should be kept tidy and ensuring additional items like papers/rubbish/bottles are properly disposed of.
  • The name plates on the wall of the dojo should not be moved or touched without the permission of the arts’ Sensei and the MBK committee. The arts Sensei and the MBK committee are in charge of maintaining the order of the name plates, and can be contacted if there are any errors. Note that the order of plates is not only determined by the grade or date attained.
  • Always report any injury to the Sensei or Committee, no matter how minor.

Kendo specific etiquette

  • Respect at all times should be shown to the Sensei, Dojo and fellow students. Personal thanks at the end of training are expressed with a bow in a kneeling position between sensei and students, and amongst fellow students.
  • Unless you are 4th dan and above, refrain from coaching the lower grades in any form. Likewise, the lower grades should avoid asking for advice on technical matters.
  • If you are 3rd dan and below and received keiko from members 3rd dan and below, simply thank them for keiko but do not ask for any advice.

Iaido specific etiquette

When walking behind someone who is training, wait for an opportunity which will not put either of you in danger and then verbally indicate your presence to alert the person that you are moving behind them.

Respect and Culture

  • Always respect your own equipment and that of others.
  • Never ask another student to handle or examine their sword.
  • In traditional sword arts, a practitioner’s sword is considered an extension of their spirit and training. Asking to handle another person’s sword is disrespectful unless they offer it. If you’re curious, simply note the style or craftsmanship and let them choose whether to share it.
  • Be considerate and aware of space when practicing.
  • A senpai is a senior student based on their length of time training in the dojo not necessarily their rank. Treat all senpai with the appropriate respect, even if your own rank is higher.