What etiquette do I need to know?

Jiu Jitsu (as practiced by Jitsu Canada) recognizes its origins in Japan. Hence, to learn Jiu Jitsu, it is essential to accept the etiquette and traditions of the dojo. These practices may seem strange to begin with, however, these traditions assist in both learning and safety.

• It is customary to rei (bow) on entering the dojo, to signify mental preparation for training. Likewise, a rei should be made before leaving the dojo.
• Eating, drinking and smoking are not permitted in the dojo.
• Alcohol or narcotics must not be consumed before training.
• Gi are to be kept clean and tidy and the belt tied correctly.
• Fingernails and toe-nails should be short and clean.
• All jewellery must be removed before training.
• Changing is not permitted in the dojo.
• A rei is made to the highest grade on the mat before stepping onto the mat. Likewise, the highest grade is asked before leaving the mat.
• Club instructors and dan grades (black belts) are to be addressed as "Sensei".
• The correct way to stand when being taught is with the back of the left hand resting on the knot of the belt and the back of the right hand resting on the palm of the left.
• Swearing, or losing one's temper, is not permitted in the dojo.
• Before training together, students should rei to each other and similarly should rei when they finish.
• When training, a student will always be mindful of the safety of others.

What is the ceremony at the beginning/end of the session?

The short ceremony at the begining and end of the session is both a greeting/goodbye and a way of focusing your intent on Jiu Jitsu for the class and avoiding external distractions. All students are told to line up in front of the Sensei in grade order (higher grades on the right, lower grades on the left - relative to the students). Sensei then calls out: "Kiba dachi" : "Horse stance" - stand with your feet about shoulder distance apart, legs slightly bent, hands in closed fists in front of you. "Su dachi" : "Feet together stance" - move your left foot to stand with your feet completely together, legs straight, hands by your sides. "Suwaru" : Students sit down into seiza (kneeling position) "Otagai ni suwaru" : All Sensei sit down into seiza Sensei signals to the highest-grade student, who then says: "Sensei ni rei" : "Bow to Instructor". All students perform a kneeling rei (bow) to the instructor, placing their hands on the floor, but keeping eyes up. Sensei then replies with: "Otagai ni nei" "Bow to all" or "Bow to dojo and all assembled". All Sensei rei in response. This marks the beginning or the end of training for the class.