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The Dojo - in Iwama
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Entering the dojo
A sign of good manners and a necessary habit to form is to
put your own and others shoes in order at the "genkan"
(entrance). Shoes should be paired nicely in rows and should
face so that the tips of the shoes are facing away from the
room they are outside of. This is a custom from the olden
days so that samurai could leave the premises as quickly as
possible. It is also a nice thing to do even in other homes
you may be visiting while in Japan.
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In the dojo
Do not step on the wooden door steps when entering rooms.
Step directly onto the tatami mats. There is "soji" (
cleaning up ) before and after every practice. Be ready to
clean as soon as the sempai ask for it. Watch how the
cleaning is done and do it the way you are told.
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Work in the dojo
As uchi deshi, you are expected to do chores and work every
day. These chores will be assigned to you by the dojo sempai
( the person in the dojo who has been there longest ). You
should be willing to take part in any work that has to be
done with a positive attitude, even when this work is
cleaning the toilets!
Kitchen duty is called Toban. You will be asked (told!) to share
in the kitchen duties with the other uchi deshi. Club
leaders , chief instructors and students alike all have to
take their turn. Sometimes you will be paired with someone
else for Toban. Toban is for one whole day on a rotational
schedule. If you have to do something on your designated day
you can ask to switch with someone else.
Toban includes
preparing breakfast, shopping for lunch and dinner, making
the meals, setting the table and doing the dishes . The
others will usually help with the clearing away and washing
but it is in fact the responsibility of the designated
people. Be prepared to be able to cook a wholesome,
inexpensive meal with things which can be bought locally.
There are fairly well-stocked supermarkets and inexpensive
green-grocers in Iwama. |
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Uchi deshi daily life
As uchi deshi, you are expected to stay in the dojo area. If
you wish to go somewhere locally, make sure to ask
permission from the Sensei. Make it clear where you are
going and when you will be back. Also make sure there is no
work or other plans before asking to leave. During the warm
months, care should be taken if sunbathing. Put on a shirt
if in the presence of the Sensei or other Japanese.
Traveling
If you wish to do some sightseeing while in Japan, arrange
to do this before or after your stay as uchi deshi. You may
be taken out for some sightseeing by the Sensei or others
from the dojo, but this is only if it fits with the overall
plans for the uchi deshi. Don’t expect this, but enjoy it if
you get the chance
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Leaving the dojo
When your stay at the dojo is over, a gift of money is put
in a special envelope and given as a token of appreciation.
This is often placed on the kamiza/kamidana. Envelopes can be bought, make sure to ask a dojo sempai as
to which kind. Ask also about the proper amount, this
depends upon how long you are staying. Also when leaving, a
bottle of saké is given as well, two if your stay was for a
longer period. Again, ask your sempai about the proper kind
and what should be written on the package.
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