Code of Conduct
We are glad that you have decided to learn the martial art of kendo and/or Iaido. There are some important notes that we would like to communicate to you in order to help with the transition into our club.
Here are some of the key points:
The purpose of Mokuyobi (part of Shidokan Dojo) is to teach Japanese swordsmanship, its physical techniques and spirit, through the practice of iaido. The practice of iaido is instructed and conducted solely by Sensei Dean Jolly (Mokuyobi), Santoso Hanitijo (Shidokan) & Senior students appointed by them.
All students must trust this leadership, and follow the teachings and instructions no matter what, without confrontation or reply, as it would be performed in a Militia Chain of Command . Students must respect each other and must not cause any personal discord. Students must not bring disgrace to Shidokan or to its fellow members. Any one who goes against the above mentioned rules would be the subject of suspension or expulsion from the dojo.
Proper etiquette must always be displayed in a friendly and respectable manner towards Sensei (instructor) , Sempai (senior students) and every other member of the club. Pejorative terms such as 'insults', 'racial slurs', 'swear words' and any other type of physical or verbal aggression will not be tolerated at the dojo.
Here are some of the key points:
The purpose of Mokuyobi (part of Shidokan Dojo) is to teach Japanese swordsmanship, its physical techniques and spirit, through the practice of iaido. The practice of iaido is instructed and conducted solely by Sensei Dean Jolly (Mokuyobi), Santoso Hanitijo (Shidokan) & Senior students appointed by them.
All students must trust this leadership, and follow the teachings and instructions no matter what, without confrontation or reply, as it would be performed in a Militia Chain of Command . Students must respect each other and must not cause any personal discord. Students must not bring disgrace to Shidokan or to its fellow members. Any one who goes against the above mentioned rules would be the subject of suspension or expulsion from the dojo.
Proper etiquette must always be displayed in a friendly and respectable manner towards Sensei (instructor) , Sempai (senior students) and every other member of the club. Pejorative terms such as 'insults', 'racial slurs', 'swear words' and any other type of physical or verbal aggression will not be tolerated at the dojo.
- Punctuality : Please be ready 15 minutes ahead of the practice start time.
This is to ensure that there is enough time to change and to help with the practice area clean-up. - What To Wear: For the first several lessons, please wear loose clothing such as a plain T-shirt and shorts or appropriate athletic pants. Iaido requires sliding footwork technique so pants that are too long will not be appropriate (make sure the pants don't drag around the floor). You will be expected to purchase a uniform by the end of the first semester.
- What Not To Wear : On entering the dojo, please remove all earthly things including footwear (shoes, slippers, and socks) head-wear (caps, hats or hair ornaments), sunglasses, watches, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, piercings and all other jewelry. All kind of earrings/piercings could potentially cause serious injuries. (Jewels, gold, silver, etc are commonly associated with materialism, something to be avoided at the dojo, where spiritual richness and self development are the main objectives.)
- Shinai (Kendo) / Bokuto (Iaido) : New students are allowed to borrow the bokuto for the first two weeks of practice. Afterwards, it is expected that each student will purchase their own shinai or bokuto. This is your “sword” so it is important to have and to take care of your own. The kendo club does sell the shinai, but the student may purchase it from anywhere. However, please confirm what size shinai should be purchased if you decide to buy your own from somewhere else.
- Proper Manners/Etiquette: The dojo is a place of respect; for the dojo space itself, your fellow students and for yourself. Please bow into the dojo space when entering or leaving. Please greet other students and sensei (instructors) clearly and politely. The shinai is your “sword” and as such, it must also be treated respectfully and not as a walking stick or a bat.
Code of Conduct is taken the official website of Shidokan Dojo
Uniform |
Japanese Numbers |
|
The proper uniform in our dojo is the black gi and the black hakama.
Even though other colours are available, for the sake of uniformity and humility, black is ideal. Different fabrics exist, and the choice between cost, weight, durability, etc. is all yours. We do not sell any equipment, contact us for guidance on where to buy. |
|
How to Join
To begin in Iaido, you just have to show up any day of practice.
Or send us a message if you have further questions.
You only need comfortable sport clothing (preferably long pants).
We recommend that you also bring volleyball-type knee pads, if you have them. If you own a bokken (a wooden sword), bring it as well.
You can begin at any time. The first class is a free trial.
If you already have Iaido clothing, you can bring them at your first class. Also being your iaito.
We will check your sword to make sure it is safe and ready for iaido practice.
No sharp blades (shinken) are tolerated in the dojo.
Or send us a message if you have further questions.
You only need comfortable sport clothing (preferably long pants).
We recommend that you also bring volleyball-type knee pads, if you have them. If you own a bokken (a wooden sword), bring it as well.
You can begin at any time. The first class is a free trial.
If you already have Iaido clothing, you can bring them at your first class. Also being your iaito.
We will check your sword to make sure it is safe and ready for iaido practice.
No sharp blades (shinken) are tolerated in the dojo.
Mushin
by Sensei Dean Jolly
Mushin is no-mind.
It is a core part of iaido.
When you do a kata, at first you think my hand is like this, my foot goes there, I move like so etc. That is the first part, you are learning the steps.
Then the more you practice, the more you do not have to think about how to do the kata. The more you practice, the more the “programming” is imbedded and the response automatic. The kata becomes a situation and you naturally respond.
When I started iaido many years ago, Okimura Sensei told me that it was like eating soup. As a small child, you learn (“program” ) how to use a spoon, then after many attempts it just becomes “lets eat soup.” The Japanese have this wonderful expression mizu no kokoro, mind like water.
When the moon reflects on a still pond, a perfect image of the moon is seen, any disturbance and the image is distorted or lost.
The ripples are your conscious thoughts, hesitations, pride, nervousness.
Clear your mind , live in the moment and just do it.
Mushin can not be explained, it has to be experienced.
In an old book of mine: “The zen way to martial arts” by Taisen Deshimaru I found these words of wisdom that I keep in my heart when I do iaido:
The essence of kata is not in the gestures themselves but in the attitude adopted toward them; that is what makes them right or not.
You must not think. “This kata must be performed like this or like that.”
Instead, you must train the body-mind to create, each time, one total gesture mobilizing the whole ki, in the instant.
Live the spirit of the gesture, through training, the kata must merge with the spirit.
The stronger the spirit, the stronger the kata.
Mushin is no-mind.
It is a core part of iaido.
When you do a kata, at first you think my hand is like this, my foot goes there, I move like so etc. That is the first part, you are learning the steps.
Then the more you practice, the more you do not have to think about how to do the kata. The more you practice, the more the “programming” is imbedded and the response automatic. The kata becomes a situation and you naturally respond.
When I started iaido many years ago, Okimura Sensei told me that it was like eating soup. As a small child, you learn (“program” ) how to use a spoon, then after many attempts it just becomes “lets eat soup.” The Japanese have this wonderful expression mizu no kokoro, mind like water.
When the moon reflects on a still pond, a perfect image of the moon is seen, any disturbance and the image is distorted or lost.
The ripples are your conscious thoughts, hesitations, pride, nervousness.
Clear your mind , live in the moment and just do it.
Mushin can not be explained, it has to be experienced.
In an old book of mine: “The zen way to martial arts” by Taisen Deshimaru I found these words of wisdom that I keep in my heart when I do iaido:
The essence of kata is not in the gestures themselves but in the attitude adopted toward them; that is what makes them right or not.
You must not think. “This kata must be performed like this or like that.”
Instead, you must train the body-mind to create, each time, one total gesture mobilizing the whole ki, in the instant.
Live the spirit of the gesture, through training, the kata must merge with the spirit.
The stronger the spirit, the stronger the kata.
