Iaidô Etiquette

Sword Care & Handling

• Never ask directly toexamine another's sword or other equipment.
   
• Cleaning, oiling, or examining swords is to be done outside the Dojo proper unless performed as part of a formal training session in sword care and etiquette.
   
• When accepting another's sheathed sword always take the sword in both hands, parallel to the floor, cutting edge towards the other, and bow to the sword with a short, respectful bow. Return the sword in the same fashion except that the cutting edge is towards yourself. The general rule is that when passing a sword to another (either sheathed or unsheathed) the edge should always be toward the person who is passing the sword to the other person.
   
• When accepting an unsheathed blade grip the tsuka firmly with your left hand near the tsuba; after the owner relaxes his grip turn the cutting edge towards yourself and grip the tsuka with both hands. Bow to the sword and its owner. Reverse the procedure when returning the blade.
   
• Never stand over, walk over, or stumble against another's sword, bokken, jo, or other equipment. Never use another's sword without permission.
   
• When bowing with the sword along your side, make sure the sword is not resting upon your hakama.

 
Uniform

• The uniform must be clean, worn correctly, and adjusted properly.
   
• No jewelry, patches or emblems, or other articles of personal adornment may be worn within the Dojo except approved ones. An exception to this rule will be allowed for wedding rings that cannot easily be removed.

 
Training

• If a student arrives late for a training sesion he will wait at the entrance to the Dojo and wait to be recognized by the instructor. After recognition he will bow in using the correct manner and may then join the class at the instructor's direction.
   
• If a student must leave early he should inform the Instructor before hand. When it is time, go to the side facing the Shomen and bow out.
   
• In matters of training, protocol, and etiquette always follow your senior's directions. Do not question his instruction while you are in the Dojo, even if you think he is mistaken. The time for discussion is after the training session.
   
• Remember that we strive to master ourselves through our training, so each student's efforts toward this goal should be honored.