Behavior in dojo

[gUnDaL]

Yeah.. I'm going to start Kendo pretty soon and im not joining because of last samurai !!! anyways... What are some things you should and shouldn't do in a dojo? except bowing before entering, courteous to others and the obvious.... anyways.. if anyone goes to the Dojo in Norwalk, California; do you know if they're taking new students? because i read some threads about dojos not taking students... haha anyways if they're accepting ill see you there in about febuary or april!

[Khabbi]

Shoes off befor entering , bow when u enter , and leave , always

and like u said , just be a nice guy

[Ralutin]

Yeah.. I'm going to start Kendo pretty soon and im not joining because of last samurai !!! anyways... What are some things you should and shouldn't do in a dojo? except bowing before entering, courteous to others and the obvious.... anyways.. if anyone goes to the Dojo in Norwalk, California; do you know if they're taking new students? because i read some threads about dojos not taking students... haha anyways if they're accepting ill see you there in about febuary or april!

Hi "Gundal,"

Norwalk kendo dojo takes beginners anytime of the year. I would suggest that you just observe and ask questions at the most appropriate time without disrupting practice for your first visit. Pay close attention to the people not wearing the armor, since that's what you'll be doing for the next 3-6 months. Also, be sure to talk to one of the parents and have them provide you with the necessary paperwork and fee structure for membership. You can visit the Southern California Kendo Federation (SCKF) website (link below in my signature field) for more information.

[gUnDaL]

i read the site about etiquette and its VERY formal.. Im afraid i might do somthing without thinking and offend the sensei or others on accident....:confused2

[xvikingx]

i read the site about etiquette and its VERY formal.. Im afraid i might do somthing without thinking and offend the sensei or others on accident....:confused2
Don't worry, no one will toss you out on the street. Mistakes are to be learned from. I think you'll be fine as long as you don't do anything outrageous; like use your shinai for a back-scratcher, or throw a cussing fit. Just relax and have fun. Norwalk is a great dojo. Also I think being a member there means you can practice for free at the Costa Mesa dojo as well.

[Ralutin]

Don't worry, no one will toss you out on the street. Mistakes are to be learned from. I think you'll be fine as long as you don't do anything outrageous; like use your shinai for a back-scratcher, or throw a cussing fit. Just relax and have fun. Norwalk is a great dojo. Also I think being a member there means you can practice for free at the Costa Mesa dojo as well.
Hi,

Actually, by becoming a member of the SCKF and AUSKF, you'll be able to practice at any SCKF and AUSKF dojo for free. However, I strongly recommend that you not visit any other dojo during your first year of training or until you start competing regularly in tournaments.

[mystic_kendoka]

gundal, are you korean?

[gUnDaL]

yeah im korean... haha the name give it away?:)

[gUnDaL]

umm i have one more question.... how would i sign up for the classes? heh

[xvikingx]

umm i have one more question.... how would i sign up for the classes? heh
Have you gone to watch a class yet? If so, didn't you speak with anyone? If not, go and watch at least one class before signing up.

[DanielH]

Hmm... Here is some advice: Don't lean on your shinai, I did that today (got real tired) and one of the instructors said "What are you doing? That wasn't made to lie down on"... :/. I apologized to him after class but I still feel like I did something wrong. Oh well, can't change the past.

[gUnDaL]

Hmm... Here is some advice: Don't lean on your shinai, I did that today (got real tired) and one of the instructors said "What are you doing? That wasn't made to lie down on"... :/. I apologized to him after class but I still feel like I did something wrong. Oh well, can't change the past.lol :ermm: thanks.. ill try not to lean on it.. i hope i dont do it subconsciously... anyways.. i was gonna visit the dojo today to watch and ask about signing up, but my mom was too tired to drive and she said i shouldn't do kendo for a month or two :mad: ... i hurt my leg during winter break in korea... haha ATV's(they tip over if you turn too fast:angry:) anywayssss............. what can i do to train, exercise... somthing other than working out my legs

[mystic_kendoka]

Hmm... Here is some advice: Don't lean on your shinai, I did that today (got real tired) and one of the instructors said "What are you doing? That wasn't made to lie down on"... :/. I apologized to him after class but I still feel like I did something wrong. Oh well, can't change the past.

if anybody in my class leans on their shinai, my sensei just wacks it away, so if you arent careful, you fall over... if youre paying attention you dont... also when you lean the shinai against a wall, put it tip up...

[Mr.Tvola]

Some other less known:

Do not wear a hat or cap, do not drink or eat, do not go over a shinai/bokuto (go around it).

[mystic_kendoka]

dont ask your sensei or other people what grade they are... this is rude... i myself asked my sensei what her grade was... if they tell you, or you know their grade, it is alright, but dont ask directly, the grade shouldnt matter anyway..

[JSchmidt]

Sheesh, you're scaring the man away.

Just behave like you would when visiting someone in their home. The rest you'll figure out as you go.

Jakob