The KENDO | Concept | Equipment | Dojo | Protocol | Grading | Origin

Protocol

One of the requirements of practicing Kendo is the strict observance of the protocol of behaviour within the dojo, with emphasis on good manners and respect towards other kendoka, most importantly towards the sensei and other instructors. The importance of following protocol achieves its meaning as kendo is an activity devoted, amongst other things, to control the violent and/or aggressive side that each of us possesses. Control and education of this aspect is not only shown while in the midst of combat, but it must prevail from the moment we step into the dojo until the final bow that puts an end to the practice. The key points we must pay attention to are the following:

• The practitioner must stop at the dojo’s entrance awaiting for a higher rank kendoka’s permission to access the dojo. The higher rank instructor will bow to the practitioner who will respond with the appropriate bow (Japanese greeting).
• The equipment (armour or bag) will be carried with the left hand and the shinai or shinai bag with the right hand.
• The way of walking must be discrete, avoiding jumps or abrupt movements. Crossing the dojo in diagonal will be avoided as far as it is possible. When in the dojo a person will walk as it was done indoors in the old Japanese houses, that is, in straight lines and respecting the perimeter of the space they are moving in.
• The practitioners will place themselves in a straight line from left to right based on their rank and seniority.
• Once in the line, a practitioner will never walk in front of another. If this were necessary, permission must be asked before.
• Once the practitioner knows his/her location in the line, he/she will have one knee on the floor before putting the equipment and shinai down. When the time comes to gear up, the practitioner will sit in sei-za position (sitting on the heels). This rule does not apply to those practitioners who have suffered any injury that prevents them from assuming such position. In this case it is allowed to sit cross-legged. When sitting in this position the feet should not be visible.
• Finally, any technique explained by the sensei or instructors must always be executed with care and a positive attitude. If the practitioner did not understand the instructions or has any question about them, he/she will ask to speak respectfully and wait for permission. The practitioner will always speak up in a loud and clear tone.