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Being Uchi-deshi in
Iwama Entering the dojo or a Japanese house A sign of good manners and a necessary habit to form is to put your own and others shoes in order at the "genkan" (entrance). Shoes should be paired nicely in rows and should face so that the tips of the shoes are facing away from the room they are outside of. This is a custom from the olden days so that samurai could leave the premises as quickly as possible. It is also a nice thing to do even in other homes you may be visiting while in Japan. In the dojo or Japanese house Do not step on the wooden door steps when entering rooms. Step directly onto the tatami mats. There is "soji" ( cleaning up ) before and after every practice. Be ready to clean as soon as the sempai ask for it. Watch how the cleaning is done and do it the way you are told. Training in general During practice you will run into many different interpretations of what is being taught. Each person you practice with will have their own way. Keep an open mind and follow the way you are being taught at the time without saying "I know better". In Japanese dojos, sometimes teaching seems to be quite irrational, especially to Westerners who are used to systematic pedagogy and "positive reinforcement." Techniques change occasionaly, and everyone wants you to do a certain technique "their" way, oblivious to the fact that someone just showed you another way. Concentrate on learning the "new" way, you can always decide later on if it is something you can use or not. >> Next page |
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©2mas/2003
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