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BB
10th November 2000, 20:52
Before I begin my training, I would like to know more about the etiquette of the Japanese Dojo, and the culture itself. What materials do you folks recommend for a martial arts novice, so I don't embarrass myself?

Thank you,
Brian Busch

Joseph Svinth
11th November 2000, 04:19
What kind of MA are you considering? The reason I ask is that different schools and styles have their own etiquette. Judo schools can be quite informal, for example, whereas kendo schools can be quite formal. Furthermore, within styles some instructors are more into outward rituals and hoopla than others. But, take your shoes off, bow when entering the training area, be polite, and you should do just fine.

Meanwhile, for general background to Japanese and Japanese American culture, try Michi Online at http://www.michionline.org .

MarkF
11th November 2000, 11:51
Don't use the glossary there. Not only is it incomplete, but some things don't add up. Otherwise, it does have what Joe said concerning the dojo, the way, or "michi."

Most judo dojo are informal, especially compared to classical arts, or new arts which are thought to be classical.

Watch the other students who have been there longer. The instructors instruct while the students are the examples. Use them.

Mark

Yamantaka
14th November 2000, 10:14
Originally posted by BB
"Before I begin my training, I would like to know more about the etiquette of the Japanese Dojo, and the culture itself. What materials do you folks recommend for a martial arts novice, so I don't embarrass myself?
Thank you,
Brian Busch "

YAMANTAKA : First things, first...There's an excellent introdution to japanese dojo etiquette in Jun Akiyama's Aikiweb (a good place you must visit = http://www.aikiweb.com ):
http://www.aikiweb.com/misc/etiquette.html
Go there and enjoy it!

BB
14th November 2000, 19:17
Joseph, I am considering Akido, and possibly Shinkendo later.

Joseph Svinth
15th November 2000, 13:22
You're looking at some reasonably formal etiquette, then.

Two additional aikido websites to visit:

 http://www.aikidofaq.com/index.html
 http://www.aikidojournal.com

Some sword sites to visit:

 http://home.earthlink.net/%7Ejggilbert/tsuba.htm
 http://japanesesword.homestead.com/files/nihonto.htm
 http://www.bunbun.ne.jp/~sword
 http://www.trifox.com/aux/kenshinkan