SOME BASICS

We are often asked how our classes work. Sometimes we have special beginner workshops, but don't wait until then to begin! At general practice, all levels practice together, and everyone should adjust their technique to the level of their partner. (This is actually an important aspect of training for everyone.)

Some general rules of thumb are:

• Take care of your partner and yourself i.e., don't injure others by training above their level; and
  
• Don't risk injury by training above your own level;
  
• Be sure to let everyone know if you have special training needs--training tape, a bandana, armband or other marker can be tied on to help everyone remember.

The best way to check us out is to visit a class (either by watching or by participating), but many people like to know what to expect.

Here is some basic information on etiquette, but just follow along:

When it is time for class to begin, everyone lines up (sitting in seiza, or kneeling) along the line on the mat. The instructor then walks onto the mat, and everyone bows toward the front, then claps twice, then bows again toward the front. (This is a Japanese tradition, but some people prefer not to clap. That's fine.) The instructor then turns toward everyone, and all bow, saying onegaishimasu ("oh-nay-guy-she-mahs" meaning “please”).

The instructor then leads everyone in a series of breathing, stretching and warm-ups exercises.

Then everyone will line up again, and the instructor will call someone up to help demonstrate the first technique. (If you have bad knees, you may sit cross-legged rather than kneeling during this time.) After the demonstration, find a partner to practice with (just turn toward someone and bow, saying onegaishimasu). You will be uke (receive the technique) four times (twice on each side), and then you will be nage (do the technique) four times, etc., until the instructor claps. Then everyone lines up, and the rest of class continues this way. (We usually change partners every technique). If you find there is an odd number of students, the partnerless person should kneel or sit cross-legged at the edge of the mat, facing any practicing pair. The practicing pair should notice the third partner and rotate him/her into their practice.)

At the end of class, everyone lines up and repeats the beginning bowing sequence. This time the when you bow to the instructor, you will say “Arigato gozaimashita” (Thank you for teaching me”).

After the instructor leaves the mat, the next most senior person (sitting on the far right of the mat) will call “dojo rei” at which time everyone bows to the front of the dojo. You are then free to bow to the people you have trained with during the course of the session to thank them.

Then clear the mat as quickly and quietly as possible to make way for the next class.

Finally, remember that everyone was a beginner once! Our club founder, the late Jos Niehaus Sensei, placed strong emphasis on first learning to give good attacks and take good ukemi (rolling, etc.), in order to be able to practice at a higher level more quickly and thus able to improve in technique more quickly.