Members

Rei, understanding basic etiquette in Budo

The Basics

This is a basic guide to bowing, Rei, at Aiki Budo Center:
Bow, Ritsurei, when entering and leaving the dojo
Bow, Zarei, when entering and leaving the mat area
Bow, Zarei, to the Shomen and Sensei at the start of practice
Bow, Zarei, (and sit Seiza) when Sensei teaches you directly.

Important terms for Rei:

1) Ritsurei

2) Zarei

3) Seiza

Seiza is the correct sitting position for Budo. Seiza is done before, during and at the end of each class. This is because Seiza reinforces good posture and helps create a strong center by providing a physical template for the student to refer to when doing waza. Seiza also focuses the mind and settles the spirit. Seiza is where you sit with your knees folded back and your buttocks resting on your heels. Keep your spine straight and your knees apart approximately the width of two of your fists. The toes should be placed next to each other (or crossed if you wish). You should close your fingers and put your hands on your upper thighs. If you can’t sit Seiza, please bow and sit Agura, cross-legged.

Shoes

Remove your shoes upon entering and place them on the rack. Make sure your feet are clean and finger/toe nails cut before stepping on the mat

Tardiness

If you are late, then sit at the corner of the mat until the instructor says you may join the class. If the instructor is demonstrating a technique, wait where you are until they are finished.

Injuries/rest

If you or someone else is hurt, tell the instructor immediately. If you need to rest, let the instructor know. If you have a problem during practice, notify your partner and instructor. Do not leave the mat without permission of the instructor.

Dues

are payable on the first of each month. If you are having financial difficulties, speak with the Chief Instructor as soon as possible. (A late fee is charged for payments made after the 7th of the month.)

Understanding Rei, etiquette, in Budo, Martial arts, can be confusing for several reasons. For one, the very concept of etiquette is different between the East and the West. Ideas about age, gender, and individuality vary greatly. One idea is not better than another, just different. Another reason is the cultural context and the language used in Japanese Rei can be hard to understand for people raised in other countries. Here you will find a brief explanation of Rei used at Aiki Budo Center. There are many other ways used by other dojo, this is just one.

B) Rei

Rei refers to the thinking behind all levels of respect and courtesy. Japanese society is deeply influenced by Chinese culture and Confucian ideals. In Confucian thinking the differences, both large and small, in age (who is older?), sex (male and female), and social status (Sensei/student, employer/employee) dictate the level and style of etiquette that is applied. In modern society these differences have become smaller and smaller. In Budo however, these contrasts remain very important. There is a very simple reason for this; the Dojo is a place where people choose to hold themselves to a higher level of etiquette. This is the main concept behind Budo training. Budo is not a game, a sport, or just a way to kill someone. Budo is a path to self-correction. We show our Rei through Reiho to bring us closer to the true spirit of Budo.

C) Reiho and Tachii Hurumai

Reiho is how Rei is expressed. Reiho is the pre-formed (Kata) or pre-decided movements of etiquette used in Budo. Many times, when and what to do is clearly established. Bowing when we enter the dojo or by saying “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu” to our Sensei or partner for example. This Reiho is easy to understand and follow. Clearly spelled out Reiho is there to provide us a frame of reference for the rest of the time. For those other times, we still must use Reiho to express our Rei, this is Tachii Hurumai. Tachii Hurumai is the truest form of Rei. With Tachii Hurumai we are not told what to do. We chose our own way. The rules of Reiho, Tachii Hurumai, and Budo are one in the same. You must be strong, correct, and graceful. As your Budo progresses, your Reiho and Tachii Hurumai must advance.
I didn’t know what to do, is not an acceptable excuse in Budo. You must think about what to do, and do it. Budo is not a spectator sport. You must participate, and you must do it with Rei. This is not easy. Although you must be decisive and active, Reiho and Tachii Hurumai are never exaggerated. The highest level of Rei is the Reiho that where everything gets done, yet the work goes almost unnoticed. Reiho can vary from style to style (Karate, Aikido, Kendo, etc) and from dojo to dojo. In Aikido and Kendo when we bow we lower our eyes and show the tops of our heads. In Karate when you bow you never take your eyes off the person in front of you because they can attack you at anytime. Again, one idea is not closer to the heart of Budo than another. Each Budo and each dojo express a different concept of Rei. The most important thing in Budo is to follow the Reiho of your Sensei and dojo. Rei comes from your heart. If you try hard, more often than not, you will know what to do.

D) Giri

Giri means Social obligation or Sense of duty Giri is at the very heart of Budo training. Giri is applied to both those above and below you. Teachers are obligated to teach. Students are obligated to learn. As Kouhai, the newer student, you should look closely at what your Sensei is teaching and listen to your Senpai, the experienced student. Senpai must balance hard training and giving sportive advice to Kouhai to guide them to their next level. This is giri, and it can’t avoided if you want to progress in Budo. Whether it is your first day as a beginner or you are the teacher leading class you are obligated to do your part for the Dojo. In Budo you are not a customer or a client, you are a student. The dojo fee is like tuition for university. It allows you to study and gives you access to knowledge. It does not guarantee being promoted in rank. Budo is a choice, Giri is a choice. And like Budo, Giri cannot be taught. It must be learned individually. The longer you train, the more Giri you should accumulate. Understanding the true meaning of Giri will help you answer the difficult questions over the years of practice.

E) Senpai/Kohai

The Senpai/Kohai concept, like all other parts of Budo, has both individual and group aspects. Everyone starts as Kohai. Giri plays a central roll in the actions and thinking of Senpai and Kohai. As Kohai your Giri, responsibility, is very small. When you are a beginner your only job is to learn well. Koahi must look, listen, and practice with an open mind.
This is a good Kohai. As Kohai you are getting much more than you are giving. Senpai has what Kohai needs, experience and information. Although Sensei teaches class, students, particularly beginning students, spend little direct time practicing one on one with Sensei. In Budo, detailed information comes slowly and is handed down from Sensei to Senpai to Kohai. Kohai practice with Senpai. Senpai are Kohai’s link to Sensei. If you are a good Kohai stand a much better chance of finding a good Senpai. Even though the title of Senpai applies to all students who have more experience than Kohai, not every older student is a good Senpai.
Senpai’s job is a difficult one. Senpai must balance continuing their own training and helping Kohai move to their next level. A good Senpai will always be growing and solidifying their understanding of Budo. Senpai and Kohai are two sides of the same coin and neither can progress without the other.

Jutsu and Do martial arts

The difference in focus between Jutsu and Do martial arts can affect both technique and etiquette. Daito Ryu and other martial arts like it (Jujutsu, Kenjutsu, etc.) are “Jutsu.” The kanji for Jutsu (Chinese picture graph) means The aim of training was disable or kill the enemy. When you face someone, even in the dojo, they are thought of as an enemy and are not to be trusted. When we bow in a Jutsu martial art we never take our eyes off the person in front of us. On the other hand, in Aikido and other modern martial arts (Judo, Kendo, etc.) are “Do.” The kanji for Do means “the way, the road.” The aim of training is self-improvement and to bring us closer to nature. These Budo see other people as partners, not enemies, to be cooperated with. There is a level of trust. When we bow we lower our eyes, although we don’t show our necks, as a sign of trust. The differences between the thinking of Jutsu and Do martial arts can influence bowing, how we handle weapons, how we treat our training partners and other issues.

How to practice

In martial arts today there are many different kind of people from every walk of life. People take start martial arts for different reasons; exercise, self-defense, socialization, etc. So, if there are this many variations in the membership, how should we practice to meet all these needs? There should be some common ground because although the path of Budo includes exercise (physical), self-defense (Mental), and socialization (spiritual growth).

It is the balance and timing between these three aspects of Budo that make martial arts special. O’Sensei left us some guidelines for us to follow in his book Budo (Budo p.38, Kodansha);

Precautions for Training

1) The Original intent of bujutsu was to kill an enemy with one blow; since all techniques can be lethal, observe the instructor’s directions and do not engage in contests of strength.
2) Bujutsu is an art in which the one is used to strike the many. Therefore, train yourself always to be mindful of, and alert to, opponents in the four and the eight directions.
3) Always train in a vibrant and joyful manner.
4) The instructor can only impart a small portion of the teaching; only through ceaseless training can you obtain the necessary experience allowing you to bring these mysteries alive. Hence, do not chase after many techniques; one by one, make each technique your own.
5) In daily training, begin with basic movements to strengthen the body without overexertion. Spend the first ten minutes warming up, and there will be no fear of injury, even for old people. Enjoy yourself in training and strive to comprehend its true purpose.
6) Training in bujutsu is to foster yamato-damashii and to build one’s character. The techniques are transmitted from person to person, on an individual basis, and should not be disclosed indiscriminately to the public. Such secret techniques should not be misused for evil purposes.

1) Cultivate honesty in the heart; show respect through etiquette, and take care to practice in a sound, vigorous manner.
2) Members should cooperate with one another. Juniors will benefit most from the kind assistance of their seniors.
3) Show proper respect for teachers and senior students, following their instruction.
4) If one’s physical condition is poor or something unusual occurs during practice, then consult the instructor, don’t overexert yourself.
5) In the dojo, dress correctly and perform a standing bow facing shomen when entering or leaving the training area.