Preparing For Your First Class

Welcome and thank you for your interest in our live online learning.

Many people are uncertain about what to expect when participating in a traditional martial arts class. If you are experiencing this, you are not alone, this has been the case for hundreds of years.  The fact that you are here says a great deal.  Be bold, persevere, and do your best.  A positive attitude and desire to learn will get you a long way, both in the dojo and in life.

These are not beginner classes.  Rather, they are taught in a manner of the Itto Tenshin-ryu or the Yamate-ryu, and offer a glimpse into these traditions.  This will enable you to derive the greatest benefit from attending.  We will use the Zoom “breakout room” feature to work with people directly where necessary and appropriate.

One of the first things you may notice is the formality, it is a martial tradition after all. It impacts training in multiple ways, including control and safety. Treat people formally and with respect. You will be treated in the same manner. When addressing others use honorifics such as Mr. and Miss. If you don’t know a person’s name use Sir or Ma’am.

It takes time to learn the intricacies of a traditional ryu and dojo.  We have put together this short guide to help prepare you for your first class.  

Uniforms

There are no uniform requirements to participate in our online classes.  We recommend loose-fitting athletic clothing.  A pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt should be sufficient.  You may note when you participate in class, many people will be in uniform.  Should you decide to continue with your studies in a more formal manner, we will discuss uniform requirements at that time.  Please do not purchase a uniform on your own, our requirements are rather specific.

Weapons

A stick about 4 feet in length should be sufficient for either the Itto Tenshin-ryu or Yamate-ryu class.  Please do not attempt to purchase bokken, jo, or shinken without consulting us first.  Once again, as with most traditional schools, our requirements are specific.

Space

Swinging a sword or a stick requires space, the more the better.  Please prepare a space to the best of your ability prior to the start of class. 

Talking During Class

Generally speaking, unless invited by the instructor, talking is not permitted during class. Out of necessity, there are times when people must communicate: keep it short and courteous and return to your practice. The instructor will provide time to ask questions. You will note from time to time others may ask a question during class. You will learn to gauge the rhythm of when this is acceptable over time.

You will hear the word “os” barked out quite a bit. It has many meanings, of which the most relevant is, “Yes Sir!” (I understand and will comply). Although it is commonly heard in many strict dojo, it is a very course sounding word and shocking to most well-bred Japanese.

Class Structure

Our classes generally consist of 6 sections: 

  1. Pre-class

  2. Opening Ceremony

  3. Fundamental Exercise

  4. Main Topic

  5. Closing ceremony

  6. Post-class.

Pre-class

You should log on and be ready to participate at least ten (10) minutes prior to the start of class. Whenever technology is involved there is always the chance of having to deal with a connectivity issue. Please note we do not allow people to join the class once it has begun.

Opening Ceremony

There will be a brief opening ceremony:

  • Call to attention - A rhythmic sound like a clap or two sticks (hyoshigi) being struck together will call participants to attention.  This sound will increase in both frequency and intensity until it culminates in a final beat.  You should be either sitting on the floor in seiza (your legs folded underneath your body, back straight, and hands on your thighs) or standing at the position of attention, alert, and ready to begin by the final beat.  

  • The instructor, facing the shrine (shinza) on the front wall of the host dōjō, will issue the command, “Shinza ni… Rei!” Everyone will bow to the shinza with the instructor.

  • The instructor will then turn and face the class, The senior student present will issue this command, “Sensei ni… Rei! (Please note they may not be in the same location.)  The students bow to the instructor and the instrutor returns the bow.

  • The instructor may then issue the command, “Mokuso…”  This is a period of quite reflection in which you contemplate what you have done and commit to what you are about to do.

This concludes the opening ceremony.

Fundamental Exercise

The instructor and students, together, perform one (or more) of the fundamental exercises of the tradition.

Main Topic

The main topic of the class is presented.  Please note the instructor may make use of “breakout” rooms during this time.

Closing Ceremony

There will be a brief closing ceremony:

  • Call to attention:  Students return to seiza, or the position of attention.

  • The instructor, facing the students, will begin a short period of zazen.  Students join the instructor in this exercise.  

  • After the period of zazen is complete, the senior student will issue the command, “Sensei ni… Rei! (Please note they may not be in the same location.) The students bow to the instructor and the instructor returns the bow.

  • The instructor, will turn and face the shinza, and issue the command, “Shinza ni… Rei!” Everyone will bow to the Shinza with the instructor.  

  • Remain quietly in place until the instructor moves from this position.  Once the instructor moves the class is concluded.

Post-class

This is the time to get all of your questions answered. Get your notebook out and ask away. Either the instructor or one of the senior students will make themselves available for questions. This is the time to ask!

For additional information please read the following blogs: The Student Handbook Chapter 2 - First Steps Dojo Reishiki The Dojo