Rei-ho in and around the dojo
Rei-ho: Etiquette and courtesy that is expected in the dojo. Many old-time kenshi and the older sensei will tell you that Kendo begins and ends with respect. This does not mean it begins and ends with the bow when you enter and leave the dojo. The etiquette you learn in Kendo should extend into your everyday life.
Rei: The manifestation of moral standards in life for maintaining social order or the behavior and conduct which show respect for one another. In Kendo, the saying “rei ni hajinari, rei ni owaru” (beginning with respect, ending with respect) is used to express the importance of manners which show that respect.
Standing and seated bows (rei) performed in the dojo
In Kendo there are ritsu-rei and za-rei.
It is said time and again that Kendo begins and ends with courtesy and respect. San Jose Kendo Dojo has a long tradition of nurturing courteous, respectful, and highly skilled kenshi. The ability to produce such kenshi is partly a result of the strict adherence to traditional formality within the Kendo Dojo, while not being overbearing or militaristic in our approach. Part of this traditional formality is the performance of standing and seated bows or rei.
Ritsu-rei is a bow performed while standing. It is the standard courtesy shown when entering the dojo and when addressing another person. Ritsu-rei in the shomen direction is performed at an angle of 30 degrees with eyes down. Ritsu-rei to one another is done at an angle of 15 degrees while eyeing each other.
Za-rei is a bow from the formal kneeling position (seiza). It is performed as follows:
(1) Observe the person you are bowing to. In the case of bowing to the shomen, be aware the person senior to you.
(2) Lean the upper body forward while simultaneously putting both hands on the floor and bow slowly.
(3) After pausing in this position for a moment (about one breath), return to the original position (seiza) and observe the other person. Note that you should hold your bow until the person senior to you starts to end their bow.
The hands should be placed as shown in the picture below. The point of the nose should be in the direction of the asterisk in the picture.
Entering and leaving the dojo
The first rei performed at the dojo is a standing bow or ritsu-rei upon entering the dojo. Upon entering, a kenshi steps into the dojo, stops, then with feet together, perform a respectful ritsu-rei. Conversely, before exiting, they must turn to face the interior of the dojo and perform ritsu-rei.
Greetings
The next rei which might be performed would be a ritsu-rei to your instructor or the Dojo Shihan. If your Sensei or the Dojo Shihan are present and not occupied or on the floor, it is customary to greet them and perform a ritsu-rei while stating “kombanwa” (good evening) or “konichiwa” (good afternoon), which they will return.
Go-rei
At the beginning and end of practice, while lined up, there is a series of commands (go-rei) announced by the senior sempai. The commands refer to three seated bows, or za-rei. These bows are performed to show respect and thank your dojo, your instructors and your fellow kenshi.
Shomen-ni rei
Shomen-ni rei is the command to face the front of the dojo and perform a za-rei. This rei is intended to thank and show respect to those who have made it possible for us to practice kendo today. While this rei is not typically intended to have any religious implications, it is recognized that at least once each week, we practice in a Buddhist church which has an altar within the actual practice area or dojo. Since this practice location was initiated and built by our Buddhist supporters and practitioners, it has been the tradition to have the altar open at the beginning and end of our practice. Non-Buddhist kenshi are requested to observe the shomeni-rei as a standard shomen-rei and are not expected to derive or acknowledge any religious significance from this.
It has been discussed to have the altar closed due to more non-Buddhists practicing at this location, in an effort not to offend other’s religions. However, it was agreed by all Instructors that it would be a greater offense to those who have worked so hard to provide us with a practice location and who started San Jose Kendo Dojo if we were to close the altar. Therefore, it was agreed that if kenshi are uncomfortable facing the altar during the shomen-rei, then they will be allowed to turn and face the Sensei who is currently sitting in the Shihan position on the Sensei side of the dojo. Regardless of the position in line, all kenshi will be required to turn slightly, either to the Shihan position or to the shomen and perform the shomen-rei. No one will be allowed to remain sitting upright during any of the three za-rei, nor will it be permitted to perform the shomen-rei facing straight forward.
The second za-rei performed (Sensei-ni-rei) is to the dojo Shihan and Sensei to thank them for their time and effort. Remember, Kendo instructors do not get paid for their efforts. They are there because they wish to pass along the art of Kendo and to see others enjoy the rewards of diligent and dedicated practice. This is one of your opportunities to thank them for their efforts.
The final za-rei is to your fellow kenshi (Sogo-ni-re). This is your opportunity to thank them for practicing with you, for helping you through the tough practices and being a good kenshi who you might learn something from.
Visiting a Dojo for the first time
If you are considering visiting our dojo, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
- San Jose Kendo Dojo requires prospective students to come watch a beginner class prior to joining. It is best to send an e-mail to the contact person before visiting. This is both to ensure that the dojo will have practice on the night you will visit, and to let them know you are coming. Occasionally, our dojo will have a special practice or holiday when visitors should not visit.
- Ask the contact person who you can ask questions of before or after class. Questions will not usually be answered during a class unless a regular student is sitting out and observing class that evening. The head instructor usually delegates the task of greeting and answering questions to an assistant instructor. Please do not insist on seeing the head instructor. The responsibility of the head instructor is first to his practicing students.
- When arriving at the dojo, introduce yourself to one of the students and ask to be introduced to your contact. Please note, in Kendo, unlike other martial arts, there is no visible sign of rank. Kenshi do not wear any colored belts, so it is important that you treat everyone with courtesy. The person you are speaking to may be an instructor.