Copyright Peter Morton Academy of Judo Jujitsu Karate
Academy standards
The Academy has rules of the dojo, which includes an etiquette standard and a judoji standard, that all members must abide by.
Rules of the dojo booklet - A5 (pdf, 162kb)
This one is designed to be printed double-sided on A4 paper then stapled into an A5 booklet
Rules of the dojo booklet - A4 (pdf, 230kb)
This one is designed to be printed single-sided on A4 paper
Etiquette standard
These Etiquette standards have been extracted from the academy's Standard Operating Guidelines and Procedures Manual. A Chief Instructor of a branch is responsible for ensuring that all assistant instructors and students conform to these standards.
Etiquette is very important at all times in a dojo, whether a person is training or just observing. It is practised out of respect for senior ranks, instructors and for all present. Etiquette knows no rank and it is to be observed by every person present in a dojo.
The use of etiquette is not only a show of respect but it also teaches self-restraint and aids in the safe running of a training session.
When a person is on the tatami (training mat) all etiquette must be observed and three things should be kept in mind:
Be courteous to each other
Study with a true mind
Teach with kindness
1. Motto
1.1 Be Master of Yourself.
2. Code of conduct
The code of conduct applies to all members of the academy and, unless specifically stated, it shall apply at all times, both inside and outside the dojo.
Any member found violating the code of conduct through unacceptable actions or behaviour will be subject to disciplinary action. This will encompass stern reprimands, temporary suspension, permanent expulsion as a member of the academy or any other disciplinary action deemed necessary by the academy.
2.1 A member must practice respect, self-restraint and humility at all times.
2.2 Techniques are NOT to be used indiscriminately.
2.3 Techniques are NOT to be used just for the sake of showing off.
2.4 Techniques are NOT to be used as an initial form of aggression.
2.5 Techniques are ONLY to be used in a genuine self-defence situation.
2.6 A member must not bring discredit to the academy.
2.7 A member must not act in an intentionally violent or harmful manner.
2.8 A member will not train under the influence of any intoxicating, performance enhancing or illicit substances.
2.9 Substance abuse will not be tolerated and a member will automatically have their membership of the academy permanently revoked if they do so.
2.10 Proper decorum is expected to be exhibited by members within the dojo and they should not engage in idle talk or frivolous behaviour.
2.11 Training must be brisk and sincere.
3. Addressing instructors
3.1 Instructors are addressed by the following titles:
- Mr, Mrs, Miss - Kyu grade. All levels
- Sempei - Sienen Shidosha
- Sensei - Purple Belt; Shodan, Nidan, Sandan. 1st-3rd dan
- Renshi - Yondan, Godan. 4th-5th dan
- Shihan - Rokudan, Shichidan, Hachidan, Kudan. 6th-9th dan
3.2 It is acceptable to call dan belt instructors Sensei (teacher) in a class situation.
3.3 A Sensei is to be aware of the Japanese terminology for titles and techniques. However, except when it is prescribed by the syllabus, the use of Japanese terminology is optional.
4. Dress
4.1 No watches, jewellery or adornments of any nature are to be worn while a person is on the tatami. New ear-piercing studs will be permitted until such time as they may be removed.
4.2 No footwear is to be worn or brought onto the tatami at any time.
4.3 A judogi must be clean and in good general condition with no rips or tears. A torn judogi is potentially dangerous in that joints or limbs might be injured if they are caught in a tear during training.
4.4 All of a judogi must be worn, with the jacket under the belt, during opening and closing ceremonies and at presentations.
4.5 All of a judogi must be worn at all times by a student participating in a grading.
4.6 A judogi jacket may be removed only in general classes during exercises, tsuki and keri sections.
4.7 A belt of the appropriate level is to be worn at all times on the tatami and during a lesson.
4.8 On the tatami a student must kneel on one knee when tying or adjusting their belt.
5. Cleanliness
5.1 Cleanliness must be observed at all times in the interests of health and safety for all.
5.2 The body and hair must be clean, especially hands and feet.
5.3 Fingernails and toenails are to be clean and cut short.
5.4 The chewing of gum, eating, drinking or smoking are not permitted in the dojo.
5.5 A student must wear footwear when not on the tatami, particularly when leaving to use the toilets.
6. Injury and blood
6.1 Blood that falls onto the tatami must be immediately cleaned away before training can continue in that area.
6.2 A student that is carrying an injury must inform a Chief Instructor so that the Chief Instructor may give alternative exercises to the student to prevent further aggravation of the injury.
6.3 Injuries that occur during training must be reported immediately to a Chief Instructor for evaluation and/or treatment.
6.4 An injured person must be immediately removed from the tatami and the injury treated where the skin is broken and blood is present.
6.5 An injured person will not be allowed to return to the tatami until the injury has stopped bleeding, been cleaned and properly dressed to prevent further injury and/or loss of blood.
6.6 All bloodstained clothing must be removed from an injured person before they are allowed to return to the tatami.
6.7 Bloodstained clothing, particularly a judogi, must be properly cleaned before they are worn in the dojo.
7. Bow - rei
7.1 Kneeling position - seiza
- In seiza the back must be straight, the hands closed on the knees and when executing the bow keep the back straight throughout the bow.
- As the bow is started bend forward, move both hands from the knees, open with palms down, toward the tatami in front of the body, keep them close together but not touching. The hands are now almost at right angles to each other. Continue to bend forward until the hands are placed on the tatami to the front of the knees with the elbows to the outside of the knees.
- The head is tilted up just far enough so that the line of sight down the tatami is several metres to the front.
- Stay at the bottom of the bow for about one second then return to seiza.
7.2 Standing position
- Stand in a natural stance with the back straight, shoulders back, hands closed and placed on the legs at the front top of the thighs.
- Bend forward at the hips until the upper body is about 30 degrees off the vertical. Keep the hands on the thighs and the head tilted back with the eyes up looking forward.
- Stay at the bottom of the bow for about one second then return to a natural stance.
- When executing the bow keep the back straight throughout the bow.
8. Entering and leaving the dojo
8.1 A student must bow at the door of the dojo as they enter or leave.
8.2 If a student wishes to interrupt a class, they must wait at the side of the tatami for an appropriate moment, then approach and bow to the Sensei in charge. After the interruption, the student must bow to the Sensei.
8.3 If a student arrives late or wishes to leave early from a class, they must approach the Sensei in charge and give a reason.
8.4 If a student wishes to leave the dojo for a short period of time they must approach the Sensei in charge, ask to be excused and give a reason.
9. Positions around the tatami - training mat
9.1 When the Chief Instructor calls students "around the mat" students will move quickly to their position on the tatami.
The Chief Instructor and other senior grade instructors position at the head and centre of the tatami with all lower dans on either side of them in belt order.
Kyu grades, where possible, position opposite dan grades with the 6th Kyu sitting to the right and progressing up in grades to 1st Kyu on the left. Figure 1.
Figure 1. Positions around the tatami
9.2 For the opening and closing ceremonies students must sit in the seiza position. At other times during training students may sit on the tatami in seiza or in the crossed leg position.
9.3 Students must remain silent during the time they are around the tatami.
10. Opening ceremony - formal commencement of a class
10.1 Dan belts and students are to position themselves on the tatami. Etiquette Standard 9.
10.2 As a sign of respect to our Founder and upon the command of the Chief Instructor, "Soke ni rei", all on the tatami shall turn and bow (rei) to a picture of Soke Morton.
10.3 After the bow all will turn back to face the centre of the tatami.
10.4 As a sign of respect to the Chief Instructor and other instructors and upon the command of the Chief Instructor, "Otagai ni rei", all will bow.
10.5 If there is a visiting dan belt with the grade of Yondan, or above, the second bow to the instructors is substituted. Etiquette Standard 10.4.
Regular dan belts turn, face the visitor and upon the command of the Chief Instructor, "Otagai ni rei", bow to the visitor. They then return to their original positions on the tatami.
10.6 As a sign of respect to all on the tatami and upon the command of the Chief Instructor, "Tate", all will jump to their feet and bow.
11. Closing ceremony (formal completion of a class)
11.1 This is conducted in the same manner as the opening ceremony. Etiquette Standard 10.
12. Certificate presentation
12.1 All position themselves around the tatami. Etiquette Standard 9.
12.2 A student is called up to the head of the tatami to receive their certificate, they walk across the tatami and stand before the presenter.
12.3 The student bows to the presenter, shakes hands with their right hand and accepts their certificate with their left hand.
12.4 After the student receives their certificate they bow to the presenter and return to their position on the tatami.
13. Free exercise and sparring - randori and kumite
13.1 When a student is on the tatami to participate in randori, kumite or multiple person attack bouts, they must observe all signals and directives given by a referee.
13.2 At the begining of a bout a student must:
- Bow to the head of the tatami
- Bow to the opponents
- Commence on the start command, "hajime", from the referee.
13.3 At the end of a bout a student must:
- Cease on the stop command, "soremade", from the referee
- Bow to the opponents
- Bow to the head of the tatami.
Judogi standard
Figure 1. Academy badge
These judogi standards have been extracted from the academy's Standard Operating Guidelines and Procedures Manual. The Chief Instructor of a branch is responsible for ensuring that all assistant instructors and students conform to these standards.
1. Academy uniform - judogi
1.1 Dan belts - white judo jacket with black trousers.
1.2 Kyu belts - white judo jacket with white trousers.
2. Academy badge
2.1 Academy colours are blue and gold.
2.2 Each student and instructor is required to have the academy's badge on the left side of their judogi jacket. Figures 1 and 5.
Figure 2. Japanese Makoto symbol
3. Chief instructor symbol
3.1 Chief instructors are required to have the Japanese symbol for Makoto on the back of their judogi jacket. Figure 2.
3.2 Only a branch chief instructor is allowed to wear the makoto.
4. Assistant instructor badge
4.1 Dan belts that assist the chief instructor of a branch should wear the Japanese symbol for assistant instructor on the left lapel of their judogi jacket, adjacent to the academy badge. Figures 3 and 5.
5. Branch name badge
5.1 Members are encouraged to have the name of their home branch displayed on their judogi jacket just below the academy badge. Figure 5.
5.2 The badge can be either an embroidered label or a separate sewn-on badge.
Figure 3. Denotes Assistant Instructor
6. Academy coaching badges
6.1 Members that have been awarded coaching accreditation from the academy wear these badges on the left shoulder of their judogi jacket. Figures 4 and 5.
6.2 Academy coaching badges shall have the following colour schemes:
Level 1 Green with gold border, motif and lettering
Level 2 Blue with gold border, motif and lettering
Level 3 Red with gold border, motif and lettering
7. Merit badges
7.1 Junior students that have earned merit badges may wear these badges on the left shoulder of their judogi jacket. Figure 5.
Figure 4. Academy coaching badges
8. National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) badges
8.1 NCAS level 1, 2 and 3 badges may be worn on the right shoulder of the judogi jacket. Figure 5.
9. Other association badges
9.1 A student that can prove that they have been a member of another association may wear that association's badge on the left-hand skirt of their judogi jacket below the belt. Figure 6.
10.2 Kyu belts are colour only and do not have any symbols or a name on them.
Figure 5. Position of badges
10.3 Kyu belts
| Level | Belt colour |
|---|---|
|
6th Kyu |
White (beginner) |
|
5th Kyu |
Yellow |
|
4th Kyu |
Orange |
|
3rd Kyu |
Green |
|
2nd Kyu |
Blue |
|
1st Kyu |
Brown |
|
Sparring Techniques |
Brown, black bar |
10.4 Special belts
| Level | Belt colour |
|---|---|
|
Women's Self-Defence |
White, yellow bar |
|
Sienen Shidosha |
White, black centre stripe |
|
Teacher |
Purple |
10.5 Dan belts
| Level | Belt colour |
|---|---|
|
Shodan |
Black |
|
Nidan |
Black, two gold bars |
|
Sandan |
Black, three gold bars |
|
Yondan |
Black, red centre stripe |
|
Godan |
Purple, red centre stripe |
|
Rokudan |
Purple, red centre stripe, white bar, red bar |
|
Shichidan |
Red, purple centre stripe |
|
Hachidan |
Red, purple centre stripe, white bar, red bar |
|
Kudan |
Red |
|
Judan |
Red |
10.6 To tie a belt it has to be long enough to wrap around the waist twice, with enough length to tie a knot.
- Place the middle of the belt on the stomach
- Take the two ends around the back fo the waist and then wrap them around to the front.
- Cross the right hand end over the left hand end
- Pass the left hand end under the entire belt close to the body
- Cross the left hand end over the top and around the right hand end to form a reef knot
- Pull tightly and tuck the left hand end through one of the layers of the belt
