The way of the dojo

Terminology and etiquette

Kendo begins and ends with respect. Here you can read how to behave in the dojo and what the Japanese terms you hear during training mean.

Etiquette

Not sure? Watch what the more experienced members do, or just ask. Nobody expects a beginner to know everything right away.

Bow when entering and leaving: Make a short standing bow (ritsurei) towards the hall when you enter and leave the dojo.
Be on time: Running late? Sit in seiza at the side and wait until the teacher lets you join.
Look after yourself: Come with clean feet and short nails, and take off jewellery. This prevents injuries to yourself and others.
Bare feet: Kendo is practised barefoot. Shoes and slippers stay off the training floor.
Calm and attentive: Don't talk during explanations. Listen, watch carefully and then do what is asked.
No food or chewing gum: Don't eat or chew gum on the training floor. Drink at the side.

Start and finish: Training starts and ends in a line (seiretsu), in seiza, with a short meditation (mokuso) and the bows: shomen ni rei, sensei ni rei and otagai ni rei.
Greet your partner: Bow to your partner before each exercise and say onegai shimasu. Afterwards, bow again and thank them with domo arigato gozaimasu.
Don't walk in between: Don't cross the hall between pairs who are practising. Walk around them, along the side.
Don't just stop: Need to stop for a moment, for example because of an injury or because you feel dizzy? Tell the teacher and sit down at the side.
Zanshin: Stay alert and focused after an attack as well. That is part of good kendo and of respect for your partner.

Check your shinai: Before each training, check that your shinai has no splinters or loose parts. A broken shinai is dangerous; ask for help if in doubt.
Respect the shinai: Don't step over a shinai, don't lean on it and don't leave it lying on the floor where others walk.
Put on and take off neatly: Put on and take off your armour while sitting in seiza, and place your things neatly beside you.
Clean clothing: Make sure your keikogi and hakama are clean and undamaged. Fold your hakama neatly after training.
Lend a hand: Help tidy up afterwards, so the group leaves the hall neat and clean.