Code of Conduct
Seibukan
Seibukan Dojo - new member agreement and commitment
Welcome to Seibukan, This can be a fun and rewarding hobby to start. Lets get a few legalities and expectations out of the way.
a) The practice of Japanese martial arts comprises many traditions and principles that must be observed at all times. Having read the quick guide, I agree to abide by the ways of the school.
b) I acknowledge that practising martial arts inherently contains some risk of injury. Iai is perhaps one of the safest forms of exercise there is, but still the possibility of injury remains. If another student inadvertently comes into close proximity, the onus is on each other to avoid a dangerous situation.
c) I agree to follow the instructions of teachers and seniors and dojo rules for etiquette and safety at all times.
d) If I have any illness or disability it is brought to the teacher’s attention before class, and during class if any injury is aggravated through training. If there any any pre existing illnesses or disabilities please list here now
e) I authorise any member of Seibukan, in the event of an emergency, to obtain on my behalf and at my expense any medical assistance, treatment and/or transport as deemed necessary.
f) I agree to train in a safe manner, respecting all others and the experience of my seniors of all levels. A high level of personal hygiene is expected. Harassment, bullying etc will not be tolerated. Minors do train in this dojo and must be considered.
g) I agree to pay monthly fees and annual fees in advance before each month comes due. Annual subs fall due on July 01 each year.
h) By participating in classes you are deemed to have accepted these conditions.
As a member of the Seibukan, there is an ongoing 2 way commitment between teacher and student. This is different to sport where you hire a court and train for just 1 hour. In martial arts, it is considered a long term relationship. The student commits to earnestly trying their best and to absorb what is given to them. The teacher is committed to mentor you through your martial arts journey.
Unlike sports, martial arts have many traditions and etiquette which very much form the nature and ethos of what a martial art is, and creates and reinforces a way of thinking for life which extends beyond the confines of the dojo.
On entry to the dojo, a simple greeting to everyone is appreciated. The sensei will at the lesson start time stand in front of the kamidana or shrine on the wall and wait for the students to line up, in order of seniority, facing the instructor.
To commence a lesson, the teacher will kneel in seiza and all students will adopt the same pose. All these points will be explained once you start lessons. There are 3 bows.
The senior student will call for a bow in unison, to the teacher, then everyone will stand and bow to the shrine/front. Following this, everyone again kneels and carries out a bow to their swords. This is a sign of mutual respect, not of subservience or inferiority.
Once all swords are in place in their belts, the teacher will stand up, followed by the senior student and so on in a wave down the line. The class will commence now usually with a warm up at the sensei’s discretion.
If you arrive late for class, you should enter the training area and sit 3 or 4 m away from the teacher in an unused area and kneel, waiting for them to motion to you to join into the class. They may or may not kneel and formally bow you in. Then stand at a corner of the dojo away from other students and perform the obligatory bow-ins and quick warm up by yourself.
When during class the teacher or senior gives you instruction, acknowledge them with a yes (or ‘hai’, in japanese) - a slight bow is appreciated. Seibukan is more relaxed in comparison to many dojo, but the respect is expected as a 2 way gesture.
If you need to walk across the dojo, do not step in front of others. Walk behind and if possible stay close to the walls to avoid crossing the training area. Inform in a low voice that you are passing behind. This is key to safety when weapons are being swung around. You are expected to anticipate when it is safe or not safe to proceed past a student mid practice. Once they are aware of your presence they may pause long enough for you to pass behind.
At end of class, essentially the same protocol is observed.
Training is done in a relaxed manner and friendliness pervades the class. We are all there to learn and impart what we know to others.
Your teacher has spent thousands of dollars, used up untold holidays, and spent months gaining knowledge in the art. You are receiving the benefit of all that effort, time and money during the class. As long as that respect is there, then there is no need for over the top formality or strictness.
This forms the basis of learning a martial art. The spirit of budo is as much absorbed as it is taught.
The concept of mutual respect is one you must accept and do if you are to be a part of Seibukan Dojo. It really just comes down to mutual respect and common decency.
That said, enjoy and thanks for taking the time to read this.
Ian Thomason
Dojo sensei 6th Dan Renshi ZNKR, 1ST Dan Tamiya ryu
Seibukan Dojo
Website www.iaido.com.au
Email ian@iaido.com.au
Facebook @seibukaniaido