Should martial arts clubs maintain a high level of etiquette in the dojo or is it a waste of time in western clubs? As a student it was always impressed on me by my Sensei’s that a high level of etiquette was expected in the clubs I trained at and because of this I have tried to maintain these levels now I run my own club (not always easy).

I believe that this helps students to maintain the correct mental attitude while training and helps with general mat discipline and safety. The act of formally bowing in and out at the start and end of a session allows the student to train the mind to leave the problems he/she has at the dojo entrance and to spend the training time concentrating on his/her Judo (martial art).

This mental training does not happen overnight and takes self discipline but when attained it can be used in everyday life in many way’s.

John