Mat Etiquette

A very important part of learning a martial art is the mindset and discipline that goes with it. With this in mind please read through the following very carefully and put these rules into practice every time you enter the dojo.

When your entering or leaving the dojo (training room) you should stop at the door, face inwards and rei (bow). From this point onwards you should show the respect to both those who you train with and the art you are learning.

No food or drink should be consumed in the dojo (you can leave the dojo for water during the session if you first ask permission).

When you are not on the mat you should have some form of footwear on, this will be left along the side of the mat whilst you are training.

You should always seek permission before you step on to or leave the mat (for both etiquette and safety reasons). When waiting to come on one person should raise their hand to attract attention and then the highest grade will rei you on, you should return the rei and then step on to the mat.

When leaving the mat always ask permission first then once at the edge of the mat face inwards and rei before leaving the mat.

When you are addressing the instructor or the instructor talks to you, you should always address them as Sensei and bow once they have finished talking e.g. “Yes Sensei” (then rei) .

If you are being taught by someone of a lower grade than 1st Kyu they should be addressed as Sempai rather than Sensei.

During the session you should be focused upon mastering the techniques you are practising. You should not be talking to or distracting others in the class.

If you are not actively training i.e. waiting or watching a demonstration your hands should be held open and in front at roughly belt level with one on top of the other (ask if this is unclear).

Yame means stop, if you hear it being shouted stop immediately!!! It may be to prevent an injury (possibly yours).

Other than that the rest you will pick up as you go along.


Common Japanese terms

• Dojo. This is the room in which you train, it can be a village hall, sports hall, squash court, but when the mats are down the room then becomes a dojo and correct rules apply.
  
• Tatami. The dojo floor is covered with reinforced mats known as tatami which are used to absorb impact of falls. Footwear must not be worn on the tatami.
• Rei. This is the name given to the traditional Japanese bow or salutation, similar to the western shaking hands. The bow should be performed correctly. The standing bow is performed with feet together, bending forwards at the waist with alignment of neck and back, hands move down the front of the legs until the body forms approx 30 degree angle. The kneeling bow is more formal, and is performed at the beginning and end of the training session, marking the start and finish of training.
• Yame. The command to stop.
• Matte. Command to wait.
• Dojo. Training hall.
• Hajime. Command to begin.
• Yoshin. Continue.
• Kibadachi, Sadachi , Suwari. Horse stance, attention and sit (kneeling) respectively. This is often used in this combination as a formal way of getting a number of students to sit in a prearranged manner.
• Sensei. This term is the Japanese name for instructor. Instructors are those that hold the rank of 1st kyu brown belt and above.
• Sempai. More senior grades than yourself who are not instructors are referred to as “Sempai".

Dress code

The Jitsu Foundation uniform is known by its Japanese name 'judogi' and comprises of a re-enforced jacket, trousers and a belt. Therefore everyone wears the same uniform and the only distinguishing markings are earned, in the form of coloured belts, hakama and black “over-gi”.

A Jitsu Foundation badge is worn on the right upper arm. This is the only permitted badge and is a condition of grading and participation in events and courses. The Foundation badge is also an indicator of grade.

Beginners wear loose clothes, often a t-shirt and track suit trousers, however they often quickly opt to purchase a hard wearing judogi, which start at prices from approx £15. Beginners wear a white belt.

For hygiene reasons and respect for those that you train with, the judogi should be washed after each training session and folded in the correct manner to prevent creasing. Coloured belts are awarded at gradings and signify a student's position within the ranking system of The Jitsu Foundation.

If you normally wear any jewellery this should be removed if possible or secured in an appropriate manner. You should also ensure that your nails are trimmed and your hair tied back. This prevents unnecessary injuries to yourself and others whilst training.

The Jitsu Foundation teaches Jiu Jitsu, a contact martial art that requires the concentration and control of those who wish practice the art.

Due to the nature of any contact activity, the Foundation requires that all its members abide by a strict and logical code of conduct. This ensures a safe and happy learning environment for all.


Grade structure

• 8th Kyu - Novice, White belt
• 7th Kyu - Yellow belt
• 6th Kyu - Orange belt
• 5th Kyu - Green belt
• 4th Kyu - Purple belt
• 3rd Kyu - Light-Blue belt
• 2nd Kyu - Dark-Blue belt
• 1st Kyu - Brown belt
• 1st Kyu, Acting Primary Tutor - Brown Belt and Hakama
• 1st Dan, Primary Tutor - Black belt, Hakama, white badge with black writing
• 1st Dan, Senior Primary Tutor - Black belt, Hakama, black badge with white writing
• 2nd Dan, Acting Secondary Tutor - Black belt, Hakama, white badge with red writing
• 2nd Dan, Secondary Tutor - Black belt, Hakama, black Waistcoat, White Badge with Red writing
• 3rd Dan, Acting Tertiary Fellow - NO belt, Hakama, Black Waistcoat, Red badge with white writing
• 3rd Dan, Tertiary Fellow - No belt, full black over-gi with sleeves, Red badge with white writing.

Summarised rules of etiquette

• Bow on entry and exit to the dojo
• No smoking, drinking, swearing, or inappropriate behaviour, treat the dojo as if it is someone's house and you are a guest
• Your judogi should be clean
• Ensure you have clean feet
• Keep your finger and toe nails short
• Shoes or zori should be worn when not on the mat to keep your feet and the mats clean
• Remove jewellery
• Ask permission stepping before stepping onto the mat
• Ask permission to leave the mat or dojo
• Don’t talk whilst training
• Fold your hands correctly when waiting
• Address the instructor as Sensei and rei when they have finished speaking to you