Etiquette and Manners

Punctuality

Punctuality is of superior importance in Japan. It’s simply rude to be late, so don’t be. You’ll often see people getting late to the evening class, but that’s only because they are coming straight for work. Since you are not working in Japan, you should not be late.

Not being late means being at the dojo 30 minutes before the class starts. This should give you ample time to change, clean the mats, and have your warm-up. Most classes start right away, some have a quick few minutes warm-up - so be sure to go through your own routine before the class.

Some classes will start early if everybody has arrived.

Ato-keiko

Ato-keiko has been practiced in almost all the classes I have attended, and before the cleaning. After hakamas are taken off, students will approach their sempais and ask to be thrown. It’s expected that you take part of it if you can. If not, stand aside and watch, don’t change yet. Once ato-keiko is over it’s the time for cleaning.

Hakama

Men and Women usually wear Hakama if they are shodan or higher. If you are not sure, ask.

Payment for classes

Sometimes it will be clear where/how to pay after the class. There will be an envelope on the floor (e.g. Higashi Totsuka), or you will have already paid when you entered (e.g. Hachimangu). In other places it is not very clear. If you are not sure, ask one of the senior students. They would know, or find somebody who does.

Sitting order

There was no specific order of sitting at the beginning and end of class in all the classes I attended. Just sit wherever. If you’re not sure, ask, or sit at the far left.

Usually sitting in a seiza line is not required, except maybe at the beginning of class.

Leaving Class

After class, it is common for the whole group to walk together to the train station, or until their ways split. If you’re quick at changing, wait and see. If you’re slow at changing, be aware that the group might be waiting for you.

Going out

You’ll be invited for dinners and for drinking. A lot. Be watchful for the local customs and try to follow the best you can. I’ll provide just a couple that are important.

Never pour yourself a beer. Someone will pour it for you. When they indicate their intention, raise your glass and they will pour for you. Thank them, then pick up the bottle and offer to pour for them. If you are thirsty and nobody noticed your empty glass (rare), just offer to pour to someone and they will reciprocate. It seems strange at first, but it is easy to get used to, and is very socially engaging and fun.

Same for Sake, with a small subtlety. If the person pouring your cup is your senior (in age, in rank), hold your cup with two hands. If you are pouring for them, hold the bottle with two hands. Once offered, take a sip from your cup, then present your cup to be poured. Always offer back once you are offered.

You’ll probably be paid for, some if not all of your bill. If you pay close attention, you’ll notice that even if you pay some, Japanese people pay more. You can argue with them but they won’t budge. They will smile and ask for you to pay for them when they come to your country.