The customs we follow in the dojo are important to the practice of martial arts. They reinforce the fact that you are doing a serious activity which requires you to part with your outside life and come humbly to be taught. Always keep an empty cup.

Dojo etiquette facilitates ceremonial and contest events as well as normal training sessions. Instructors and students alike are able to perform their intended functions in an efficient and effective manner. Dojo etiquette is a positive part of the Judo and Jujitsu experience and, as such, should take a prominent place in the development of true Judo and Jujitsu proponents.

When the student is ready, the master will appear. At the Westside Dojo, there are no formal rank tests. All students are continuously evaluated and the sensei will promote students when they have demonstrated new levels of mastery on a continuing basis. Westside Dojo considers it improper for a student to ask for either a promotion or a test. The sensei knows when a student is ready and to ask for promotion is considered in poor taste.

Each rank has a course list that encompasses techniques, principles, and attitudes to be absorbed by the student. The time it takes to pass from one rank to the next does not depend on competition or comparison against other students but rather on the dedication, skill, and character development of the individual.

The main thing students are concerned about when they do get promoted is that they are not ready for their new rank. Remember, the sensei knows when the student is ready, not always vice-versa. In many cases the sensei promotes a student and gives him or her time to grow into the new rank. The theory behind this practice is that if you expect something of someone, they usually come through.

Each martial art system has its own particular set of ranks. In general, a white belt usually indicates the beginner, and a black belt a more advanced student or instructor. Other belt ranks are steps to show progress along the way and indicate an intermediate level. The ranks listed below are used by the Westside Dojo:

Remember, one cannot learn in a few months the techniques others have been studying for years. Bite small and chew well.

The salutations (bows) are a sign of mutual recognition and respect. Like the handshake of opponents in boxing, wrestling, fencing, etc., Jujitsu makes use of the bow. The bow is a display of respect and courtesy for an opponent, fellow student, or instructor. In being returned, it becomes a mutual sign of respect.

Standing Bow (Ritsurei) ‑ The standing bow is done by facing your opponent, standing straight, feet and heels touching each other slightly, and placing your hands on the front of your thighs. With your eyes always on your opponent, bend forward and slide your hands down your thighs until your fingertips just touch your knee caps. The motion should be slow and deliberate with the lowest position held for about two seconds before you return to an erect position.

Kneeling (Seiza) position. ‑ Always begin a kneel by stepping forward with the right foot and kneeling on your left knee, then your right. Sit on your haunches with your big toes just touching. Your knees should be about 6 inches apart. In rising, bring your right leg forward first. Keep your back straight and hold your body erect. When not at attention, your hands should be on your thighs, fingers together and facing in.

Kneeling Bow (Zarei) ‑ From Seiza slide your hands forward (left, then right) down your thighs and onto the mat. Place your hands (palms down) about one foot beyond your knees, then slowly and deliberately lower your head to about six inches from the mat. Keep your back and neck straight as you bow. Traditionally, it is considered rude to show the back part of your neck. Hold this position until sensei rises, then return to Seiza position.

In addition to being a sign of mutual respect, the bow is used by the instructors to keep track of who is and is not on the mat. This is why, if you need to leave the mat for any reason, we ask that you bow to an instructor prior to stepping off. There have been instances when a student would leave the mat (and the dojo!) without bowing off to an instructor, and we've had to chase them down in the halls to make sure that they weren't leaving due to an injury or other dojo-related concern. This isn't a matter of asking permission as much as it is checking in with the instructors to let them know that there is nothing amiss.

Entering the dojo. ‑ Just before you cross the threshold of the dojo, you should bow (standing). We do this as a sign of respect for the place that we will be working out in and for the tradition and knowledge that it represents. It is customary to bow at the edge of the mat before stepping onto it for the same reasons.

Beginning and ending of class ‑ At the beginning of class, students line up in rank order on the opposite side of the mat from the sensei and yudansha (black belts) assuming Seiza position. Kyotsuke is the call to attention. Students should be in proper position with eyes focused straight ahead. Rei is the command to bow. Class will end in the same manner. If for some reason you are late to class, make sure that the sensei bows you onto the mat before you join class. This is done because you missed the traditional kneeling bow at the beginning of class. It also allows the sensei to recognize that you are participating in class.

Working with a partner ‑ Bowing to each new partner takes the place of a handshake. Before and after training with a partner, do a standing bow. It is customary to find the people you have worked with during a workout and bow to them in thanks as well.

Leaving the dojo ‑ Finally, it is customary to do a standing bow as you leave the mat and then exit the dojo. Should you find it necessary to leave the mat while class is in progress, always check with the sensei. For your safety, the sensei must know that you are leaving and are not hurt. The reverse of the above applies when re-entering the mats; wait quietly at the edge of the mat until the sensei bows you back on.

Be aware and alert at all times. Always make certain that the mat is clear when you practice techniques. Look before you throw and Watch where you will fall.

Sitting on the mat is done a certain way for purposes of safety. The first and preferred way for ceremonies and show of attention is seiza. The safety feature of seiza is if someone were to fall on you, the faller will slide off and both of you are less likely to be hurt. Although the Seiza position is difficult for most at first, with practice you will increase the time you can sit in this position without discomfort. Students may also sit Anza (cross legged). This is done with the permission of the sensei and is never done while bowing. This position allows you to roll away or stand up quickly if necessary.

Students should remain quiet and attentive when not exercising and while being instructed.

Students should always be courteous and helpful to each other and should seek to know all the other students in their dojo family.

When lining up for sutemi, students should stand at attention with their toes on the edge of the mat.

Jewelry of any kind that may get caught or tangled is dangerous and should be removed before working out. Finger and toenails should be short and well-groomed as well.

It is considered impolite and unsafe to lean against the wall at any time during class. Always maintain a defensive awareness while in the dojo.

Shoes are never allowed on the mat.

We encourage you to bring a water bottle to class, but we also ask that you keep your bottle at the side of the mat and not bring it on to the mat.

Changing clothes should be done in the restroom or locker-room (as appropriate). It is improper to change in the dojo. Please don't.

Students should maintain the highest degree of personal cleanliness and should wash their gi at least once week. Be considerate of your partners—jujitsu is a close-up contact art.

Refrain from practicing techniques outside the dojo. At the dojo, do not practice unless supervised by a black belt.

Students must be punctual to all scheduled meetings. Remember, Attendance is the price of membership.

Horse play and rough-housing is neither accepted nor respected in the dojo.

Before attempting any art or technique, remember safety always comes first.

In Judo and Jujitsu, it has been found that when one wants to show submission, it is easier, faster, and safer to repeatedly (2 to 3 times) slap the mat or tap the person applying the technique than to say something. Remember, these techniques DO work when applied; tap-slap before you are injured.

Students will immediately report all injuries to the sensei.

Students should never attempt any technique or sutemi not previously explained and practiced. Techniques applied without previous experience can lead to serious injury.

Always be safety conscious and GO EASY. Students should never substitute strength for skill and technique. Forcing an art or resisting an art is a main cause of injury.

NEVER, NEVER try to break a fall with hand outstretched or elbow locked. This can easily lead to a serious and possibly disabling injury.