Reigi – Etiquette

Reigi – The Art of Etiquette in Traditional Martial Arts

What is Reigi?

Reigi, or proper etiquette (pronounced “reye-gee”), is a foundational aspect of Japanese culture and an essential practice in Traditional Martial Arts. More than just showing respect for your Sensei, seniors, and peers, Reigi embodies a deep-seated tradition of respect for the school, training environment, and even your equipment. However, Reigi is far more nuanced than simply following rules; each gesture, posture, and response has a purpose and significance. Missteps in etiquette can sometimes be perceived as disrespect, or even an insult, especially in settings that value tradition as highly as martial arts.

To those less familiar with Japanese customs, these rules might seem rigid or challenging to interpret. But as martial artists, embracing Reigi enhances our practice, instilling a standard that sets us apart. Observing proper etiquette allows us to engage with others respectfully and to mirror the kind of courtesy we hope to receive in return. Reigi is not only the foundation of martial arts behavior but also a guiding principle for life. It helps transform our training from a mere physical exercise into a disciplined practice that shapes our character.

 

Why Practice Reigi?

At its core, Reigi fosters discipline and builds structure. This structure clarifies the principles behind each technique and encourages a level of mindfulness that can extend into daily life. Parents often introduce their children to martial arts to cultivate this very quality, knowing it builds respect and focus. Yet, not every school emphasizes Reigi as much as it should, and even in daily life, etiquette can be overlooked.

Karate’s founder, Gichin Funakoshi, famously stated that

“Karate begins with a bow and ends with a bow.”

Reigi, therefore, isn’t merely ritual but the heart of traditional martial arts practice. This article aims to shed light on the value of Reigi in Traditional Martial Arts.

 

A Sincere Approach to Etiquette

True Reigi is sincere. It’s not about going through the motions but showing genuine respect from the heart. Practicing Reigi with authenticity strengthens our connections with others and enriches our journey in the martial arts, grounding us in a timeless tradition of respect and mutual understanding.

 

Correct Dojo Reigi

  1. Entering and leaving the Dojo
    Take a step in through the door, and then turn towards Shomen. Present yourself in a dignified manner by going into Kiotsukete (attention stance) and bow (Rei) from the waist to about 60º. Don’t just nod your head. This again is done, from the same spot, upon leaving the Dojo.
  2. Greet your Sensei and your seniors at the first opportunity, by saying:
    • Ohayou gazaimasu (good morning)
    • Konnichi wa (good day/afternoon)
    • Konban wa (good evening)
  3. When addressing the instructors always use the title Sensei, and not their first name. For example:
    • Konban wa Sensei, or
    • Konban wa Bateman Sensei
  4. Always be attentive, listen carefully to your instruction from Sensei, and respond promptly with conviction. For example:
    • When Sensei gives you a technique respond by saying “Hai Sensei” (yes Sensei), or “Iie Sensei” (no Sensei).
    • When Sensei has asked if you have understood, then respond the same way as above.
    • When Sensei helps you, or has answered a question for you, then respond by saying “Arigatou gozaimasu Sensei” (Thank you Sensei).
  5. Be aware of high senior (high ranking) members and follow their lead; after all they should have the correct attitude in etiquette and training. Do not sit down, or finish, bowing before your seniors. When lining up position yourself relative to your seniors.
  6. Be aware of juniors (low ranking) members and take care of them. Make them feel a part of the group, don’t look down on them, and help them whenever there is a chance.
  7. Avoid walking in front of Sensei, especially when they are teaching.
  8. Always pay respect to Sensei and your seniors, and at the end of a lesson, take time to say:
    • “Oyasuminasai” (good night), or
    • “Sayonara” (good bye).

Correct Reigi for Equipment and Clothing

  1. Make sure your Gi (suit) is clean and in good repair.
  2. Respect your Gi and Obi (belt); fold them neatly at the end of class. Make sure you are correctly dressed to start your lesson. Tie your Obi correctly and your Gi doesn’t have any dangling straps.
  3. Respect your sparring equipment; make sure they are clean and in good repair. Do not use them if they are going to cause an injury.
  4. Pay respect to your martial arts weapons. Bow to them before picking them up and putting them down. Never step over them, walk around if necessary. Make sure they are in good repair for training, i.e. well maintained, free from splinters and defects.

Reigi during Practice

  1. Perform Ritsu Rei (standing bow) and Za Rei (seated bow) properly. Do not nod your head, but bend from the waist, as mentioned above. Hold your bow briefly before returning upright. Say your acknowledgement when you are holding your bow, not on the way down or on the way up.
  2. When practising with your partner, or in line, at the beginning of the routine bow and hold, as described above, and say “Onegaishimasu” (please help me). At the end of a routine, again bow and hold and say “Arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you). Always say this with feeling, never quietly or mumbled. Again don’t say it on the way down or on the way up from the bow.
  3. Practice diligently. Do not sit down during practice, unless requested by Sensei. Do not engage in idle conversation during practice.
  4. Do not wear jewellery during practice.
  5. Place all items of clothing neatly out of the way before training commences.
  6. During Mokuso (meditation or quiet time) sit correctly and quietly, never slouch, and try to empty your mind of all thoughts. Everyone in the Dojo, spectators and students alike must be silent during this time. 
  7. When a student arrives late for class they must stand and wait at the side. When they are called to join in they must be seen to carry out the required etiquette before commencing with their warm-ups. However, students should try not to be late. If they are then Sensei may stop them from joining the class, and make them watch.
  8. Students must ask Sensei to leave the class early. Also if they need the toilet. It is not permissible to leave practice for a drink, or for a rest unless given permission by Sensei
  9. When approaching Sensei to ask a question the student should always bow first saying “Onegaishimasu” (please help me).
  10. It is the responsibility of the sempai (high ranked members) to see that Reigi is understood and followed by kohai (low ranked members) by setting the correct example.
  11. It is the responsibility of each member of the dojo to ensure that the various needs of the dojo are met. For example, setting up tatami (mats), getting equipment out and putting them back, make sure the dojo is clean and left clean when they leave. The cleaning may include the ritual of Soji (cleaning the dojo). Fulfilling these needs should be automatic and not prompted by the Sensei. They should be carried out gladly and without complaint. Taking care of the dojo, and oneself, should generate a feeling of pride in their dojo, and in doing things to the best of their ability.
  12. A few Don’ts:
    1. Don’t slouch or lean on things. Always stand straight and tall
    2. Don’t eat food or chew in the dojo during class
    3. Don’t talk when Sensei is talking
    4. Don’t wear a dirty Gi
    5. Don’t have dirty fingers and toenails, and keep them short.