Visiting Another Dojo

If you are visiting another dojo for first time.  You should not be surprised to find that they do things differently from your home dojo.  Etiquette and routine of practice is not standardized, and it may vary in subtle and possibly not so subtle ways.  So keep your mouth shut, observe carefully, and try your best to do as they do.  The key piece of advice is to watch what others do and to follow their example.

• Start by getting there early.  If class has begun or is about to start do not attempt to join it unless invited to.  Most dojos will notice you and someone will be assigned to assist you.  If not just watch from outside the training area, but do not disrupt the class.
• If time and opportunity allows, introduce yourself to the instructor and ask if you may practice.
• Watch how they enter the training space, mimic how they do it.
• The instructor will usually ask your rank and help direct you to the right place in the line.  If unable to talk to the instructor sit in the lowest position.  The lowest position is back row and to the left as you are facing the shomen.
• Pay particular attention to the torei (bowing) at the beginning and end of the session.  Try to mimic the way they bow.
• Put aside any idea that they are doing things ‘wrong’ because it is different.  For god’s sake avoid saying “but in my dojo we do it this way” or even worse trying to instruct their members, even if you are senior in your own dojo. 
• If you receive instruction that is counter to the way you have been taught, try your best to follow that instruction for the class.  Embrace the concept you have learned something new.
• If advice is offered, accept it gratefully, but again, do not ask for a critique or make excuses.
• Never start practicing katas without permission from the instructor as it is insolent and potentially dangerous to those around you.
• Try your best to never disrupt the flow of the class.
• After practice, bowing out, quickly cross the dojo to thank all the instructors that you have trained with, starting with the most senior and working your way down the line.