At the TAKE Dōjō, there are rules of etiquette that help you fit in with the group and move around the training hall properly.
Entering the dōjō
When crossing the threshold of the dōjō, we step in with our left foot and then bow toward kamizaThe main, place of honor in the dōjō, with the teacher, a sign with the name of the school and - in some dōjō - a small altar. More – the seat of honor located behind the instructor, marked with the calligraphy “TSKSR.” When leaving the dōjō, we first bow toward kamizaThe main, place of honor in the dōjō, with the teacher, a sign with the name of the school and - in some dōjō - a small altar. More, and then cross the threshold with the right foot.
Place to gather
When lining up for practice, the students stand in a single file, facing kamizaThe main, place of honor in the dōjō, with the teacher, a sign with the name of the school and - in some dōjō - a small altar. More. The most senior person takes the seat on the right. The others line up according to their ranks—higher ranks closer to the right, lower ranks closer to the left. For those with the same rank, the order is determined first by the date the rank was obtained, and then by length of service.
Once everyone is in position, they assume the seiza posture, taking care to maintain a straight line. Place the sword or bokken on your left side, with the blade facing toward you. The tip of the hilt (kashira) should be close to your knees, but should not extend beyond them.
Bows
When entering the dōjō, we ask for a good practice, and when leaving, we thank each other for it. During the roll call, we bow to one another as a sign of mutual respect. When beginning an exercise with a partner, we ask for a good learning experience, and when it ends, we thank them for practicing together.
Being late
We arrive on time for class.
If we’re late for the gathering, we don’t enter the hall; instead, we wait outside the door until it’s over. If we arrive during the warm-up or the actual training session, we enter the hall, sit in the seiza position against the wall near the door, perform reishiki, and wait until the instructor allows us to join the group or gives further instructions.
Program
The instructor decides which kata are performed and taught during practice.
Practice
Practice should be free of competition. We practice, first and foremost, to improve ourselves and support the growth of others.
Teaching
Teaching Katori—including giving instructions, conducting demonstrations, or passing on techniques—is permitted only with the consent of one’s own teacher.
Outfit
The required training uniform consists of white long pants and a white belt obiA belt used to gird traditional Japanese kimonos, yukatas and keikogi, both for men (approx. 10 cm) and women (approx. 30 cm). More and navy blue (indigo) keikogi with the character "TAKE" on the back.
People who hold a 1st kyu rank may wear hakamaPants that are part of the traditional Japanese outfit. Originally, they were worn only by men, but nowadays they are also worn by women. They are also used in Japanese martial arts. More. Those who hold a 1st dan may wear a black belt.
Weapon
During training sessions, we use only training weapons (bokken, bō, naginata, yari, kodachi) made of natural wood, kept in good condition, and not painted black. We store unused weapons in a designated area.
Dueling
Fighting is strictly prohibited at the TAKE Dōjō.