Etiquette is very important in the Japanese culture, and this is also true in Iaido. Before, during and after training we should be respectful of our fellow practitioners and of our surroundings. For this reason, I have written this short article on etiquette and the commands used in the dojo. Before entering the dojo and when leaving the dojo, all practitioners are expected to perform Dojo ni Rei, this bow is a simple standing bow and shows that you are paying respect to the place of training. You are also expected to remove all footwear while in the dojo and only wear Zori (Indoor sandals) This means changing in and out of your outdoor footwear at the door unless otherwise instructed. All practitioners should be dressed and ready to begin the class before the start time, this means the lesson shouldn't be delayed whilst waiting for late attendees to get changed. During the opening bows Hajime no Saho and the closing bows Owari no Saho you will hear a number of Japanese commands called either by the Sensei or the Sempai. Here is a summary of some of the commands and their meanings. pronunciations are listed in square brackets after the command
This command is called if there is no Kamiza or Shinzen and may be called in two parts, Shomen ni and then once the sword has transitioned Rei to initiate the bow.
"Kamiza ni, Rei" [ka-mee-zar nee, ray] - Bow to the Kamiza
This is the same as Shomen ni, it is used if a Kamiza is present and may also be called in two parts, Kamiza ni and then Rei once all practitioners are ready.
"Shinzen ni, Rei" [shin-zen nee, ray] - Bow to the shrine
This is the same as Shomen ni, except it is used when a shrine is present in the dojo. Again, this may also be called in two parts.
To sit down in Seiza unless you are a standing practitioner.
This may also be called as To rei and then a second Rei for the bow. This is where you place the sword on the floor in the correct manner and then bow. Then you proceed to pick up the sword and insert it into your obi and then tie the Sageo based on your Ryuha.
Stand up without stepping forwards or backwards
Stand in a line. The line should be in seniority order with the highest ranking iaidoka on the right. This person sets the line position
As in opening, to sit in Seiza unless you are a standing practitioner.
This command may not be used, instead To rei may be called. In closing etiquette it means un-tie the Sageo and place the sword on the ground.
"To rei" [tohr ray] - Bow to the sword
As in opening etiquette, this means bow to the sword. If Datto was called then this simply means bow to your sword. If not then perform the same actions as listed above. This may also be called with an additional Rei for the bow.
Stand up in the correct manor for your Ryuha.
Paying respects to the front wall of the dojo. This command is called if there is no Kamiza or Shinzen and may be called in two parts, Shomen ni and then once the sword has transitioned Rei to initiate the bow.
"Kamiza ni, Rei" [ka-mee-zar nee, ray] - Bow to the Kamiza This is the same as Shomen ni, it is used if a Kamiza is present and may also be called in two parts, Kamiza ni and then Rei once all practitioners are ready.
"Shinzen ni, Rei" [shin-zen nee, ray] - Bow to the shrine This is the same as Shomen ni except it is used when a shrine is present in the dojo. Again, this may also be called in two parts.
It is common practice to then say Domo Arigato or Domo Arigato Gozaimasu. The Sensei may then perform additional bows to each other / sempai and then leave the training area.
This may be done facing the front rather than facing each other.
This is done by stepping back three times, turning to the right and then leaving the training area.