Tengu Ryu Etiquette

Tengu Ryu Etiquette

Proper observance of etiquette is as much a part of your Tengu Ryu training as is learning technique. In many cases, observing proper etiquette requires one to set aside one’s pride or comfort - things a true student of budo must always be ready to do. Proper etiquette works to keep training safe, to keep members in harmony with each other, and to deepen your level of practice. The warrior is found in the Way (do or Michi) of the Warrior, and the Way of the Warrior is grounded in etiquette. Please be mindful of the importance of etiquette. Strive to extend the essence of proper etiquette to all situations and relationships outside of the dojo.

Some aspects of etiquette:

Minimum Training Requirement:

Students must come to at least 2/3 of the classes offered each month.

Notification of Absence:

Students unable to make a class must notify the teacher by phone or text at least 1 hours before class.

Weapons:

Your weapons should always be covered while traveling to and from class.

Cloth weapons cases that hold both jo and bokken are available from the teacher, or you can find sword cases online, or you can make your own. Rifle cases are acceptable.

You will need a mid-weight (20 oz) bokken before beginning serious partner practice. They are available from the teacher, or other sources, but please OK your choice with the teacher before ordering.

Punctuality:

Please arrive early enough for class so that you are mentally prepared to train.

Students should seek to be lined up approximately one to two

minutes before the official start of class (this time is to be for prepairing ones mind for class) Do not keep the teacher waiting for you.

Late arrival:

If you happen to arrive a little late for class,

sit quietly in seiza at the back of the room. Wait for permission

from the teacher to join class. Upon being granted entrance,

please perform a seated bow toward the teacher before joining the class.

Talking:

Please keep talking during class to an absolute minimum. In fact, strive not

to talk on the mat at all. Talking on the mat promotes a non-martial

atmosphere. Leave all teaching to the class instructor. Do not correct each other but through example and observation only. If there is a problem so that training is not possible due to one students lack of understanding, please stop and raise you hands for assistance.

Bowing and Sitting:

A bow is an act of respect and gratitude that is important in martial training. Please thank your partners before and after training, and thank the teacher after receiving instruction. If the teacher's personal instruction evolves to a lengthy teaching for the entire class, it is then appropriate to be seated in seiza until the teaching is completed.

Never substitute an "explanation" for a bow when instruction is being directed at you.

Enthusiastic Spirit:

Carry out the directives of the teacher promptly. Do not keep

the rest of the class waiting for you. Move quickly to line up. Move

quickly to practice. Do not idly walk from one place to another. You should never be the last person to move, to arrive, to begin.

New students:

Always ensure that potential new students, and/or guests

have training partners before you seek to partner up with a regular

member. Make visitors feel welcome and help them understand the protocols of class. At the same time, the senior student who was the teacher’s uke in the demonstration should never be left without a partner. Be aware of both of these opposite opportunities.

Makoto: Sincerity, is of highest importance.