JAPANESE ETIQUETTE

The following will be a three part series on Japanese social etiquette. Gathered from various sources we will examine bowing, eating, and greeting people. Enjoy. Further investigation may be made with the Ogasawara Ryu, www.ogasawara-ryu.com/en/indexe.html.

BOWING

Bowing ((o)jigi (お辞儀, おじぎ), (o-)rei (お礼)), is probably the feature of Japanese etiquette that is best-known outside Japan . Bowing is considered extremely important in Japan , so much so that, although children normally begin learning how to bow from a very young age, companies commonly provide training to their employees in how to execute bows correctly.
Basic bows are performed with the back straight and the hands at the sides (boys and men) or clasped in the lap (girls and women), and with the eyes down. Bows originate at the waist. Generally, the longer and deeper the bow, the stronger the emotion and the respect expressed.
Bows can be generally divided into three main types: informal, formal, and very formal. Informal bows are made at about a fifteen degree angle and more formal bows at about thirty degrees. Very formal bows are deeper.
The etiquette surrounding bowing, including the length and depth of bow, and the appropriate response, is exceedingly complex. For example, if the other person maintains his or her bow for longer than expected (generally about two or three seconds), it is polite to bow again, upon which one may receive another bow in return. This often leads to a long exchange of progressively lighter bows.
Generally speaking, an inferior bows longer, more deeply and more frequently than a superior. A superior addressing an inferior will generally only nod the head slightly, while some superiors may not bow at all and an inferior will bend forward slightly from the waist.
Bows of apology tend to be deeper and last longer than other types of bow. They tend to occur with frequency during the apology, generally at about 45 degrees with the head lowered and lasting for at least the count of three, sometimes longer. The depth, frequency and duration of the bow increases with the sincerity of the apology and the severity of the offence. Bows of thanks follow the same pattern. In extreme cases a kneeling bow is performed; this bow is sometimes so deep that the forehead touches the floor. This is called saikeirei (最敬礼), literally "most respectful bow."
When dealing with non-Japanese people, many Japanese will shake hands. Since many non-Japanese are familiar with the custom of bowing, this often leads to a combined bow and handshake which can be quite complicated to execute. Bows may be combined with handshakes or performed before or after shaking hands. Generally when bowing in close proximity, as necessitated when combining bowing and shaking hands, people turn slightly to one side (usually the left) to avoid bumping heads.

Thanks for reading.

~Sensei~

Wednesday Afternoon Nage

Annette and Ummer taking Nage no Kata by storm, and loving it. It was a tremendous joy to train two highly motivated students. The future of the Ryu looks pretty bright from where I am sitting.

Kenshokan Martial Arts Academy
Danzan Ryu Jujitsu
Shorin Ryu Karate
Self Defence

Sunday Training Log Entry

Nice turnout for Sunday's adult class. We shaved a little off conditioning so we could work on technique. I was really happy with the way everyone picked up on the combative applications from Kakato Otoshi, and I think there was much fun to be had giving our uki's some needed falling practice. Followed up with a small bit o'grappling and finishing with some rousing self-defense strikes. All in all a great workout. See you on Monday.

Gregory Poretz
Sensei, Kenshokan Martial Arts Academy
Danzan Ryu Jujitsu
Shorin Ryu Karate

Dojo Vocabulary

Onegai shimasu

What's that we say at the beginning of class ?

O neh guy - She mas.

Here is a little more information on the subject.

Simple
ONEGAI - A favour
SHIMASU (SURU) - To do.

Deep
Like all Japanese words or expressions it is very difficult to directly translate as many meanings and interpretations can be given. "negai" comes from the verb "negau" which means "to pray to" or "to wish for." The "O" at the beginning is "honorific " and makes the phrase more respectful. "Shimasu" is the present tense of the verb "suru" which means, "to do", so in other words what we are about to do. This phrase is always said with the honorific O hence the phrase Onegai shimasu.
Onegai shimasu can be used in many different situations, but generally means that you wish for a good outcome from what is about to happen, it can also be a way of saying please or requesting something of showing friendliness or consideration, wishing someone well. However within the context of MA practice, it has come to mean. Will you practice with me; I am willing to accept your guidance, it is more widely used in traditional martial arts circles rather than in those of sportive arts.

Context
The general rule is that you say it to someone when you want them to do something for you, teach you, do you a favor etc.
It is a polite way of asking for a favor, it can also be used by seniors when speaking to lower people when wanting them to do something sometimes in a disciplinary tone.
Or you may say it when you know the other person doesn't necessarily want to do what you want them to do.

From Various Sources.

Back in Business ! End of a Saga

The paint is dry and the floor is down. We are holding classes back in our home. I want to thank everyone for the help and offers of help. You patience and flexibility made what should have been an impossible week into a great experience.
Next on the menu the our 1st dojo potluck picnic. May 31st.
Here is a link to some photos of the saga.
http://picasaweb.google.com/KENSHOKAN/DOJOSAGA#

Dojo Saga *Update*

Got into the dojo early this AM and the building contractor quickly went to work. He opened the wall near the front of the studio and quickly discovered the inside of the wall was wet and will require the entire wall be opened, dried over a couple of days and then repaired. There is a glimmer of hope however, the landlord has given tentative approval for use of one of the offices in the building. It is upstairs and in the rear. It will take a few hours to get the space ready and we will need to haul the mats upstairs, but I am hopeful that this space will be an acceptable substitute. Getting the space ready will require some serious labor, but I am certain we will be up to the task.
As for training today I am not certain. I will be in contact via email and phone. Again, fingers very thoroughly crossed !

Gregory Poretz

Dojo Repairs Day II

So it was hoped that repairs would start today, but it seems the landlords contractor had a funeral to attend. I am promised that work will start Tuesday AM bright and early. My fingers remain crossed.
I am working with a nearby location to allow us training space for the duration of our repairs. Again fingers thoroughly crossed.
Let me tell you, seeing the dojo in such disarray, empty and gutted, devoid of the life that you bring is a dreadful feeling. That's what I was doing this afternoon feeling dread working from my desk at the dojo, when I noticed a reflection on the wall from our window lettering. It was faint in the late afternoon light, but readable. Seeing Kenshokan on the wall filled me with a renewed determination. I will use this time to finish all those beautification projects I have had in mind, get a good paint job on the wall and finish the boards.

I was able to take some mats and train at Warner park this evening, it was a little cold, but like the expression says, "Jikishin kore dôjô" which is explained as, "If you have a pure, honest and flexible mind, everywhere is a Dôjô"

I will keep everyone appraised of our progress.


Gregory Poretz

Water Damage Update.

Dojo Family,

Water Damage Update.

As you know we had some water damage that occurred last week sometime. We pulled up the floor to clean the carpets and upon inspection we discovered that the wall (the one we repaired last year) was also water damaged. We were able to get the carpets steamed cleaned and we will be opening the rear wall to inspect for more damage and to avoid mold problems. The soonest this can be done is Monday. We will then paint and reinstall the floor and mats.
I am hopeful this can be accomplished within a few days.

Thank you for all of your the offers of help and support. I will keep everyone informed of our progress.

Gregory Poretz
Sensei, Kenshokan Martial Arts

Convention Prep.

Expect to workout all day Saturday and Sunday.
Start minding your nutrition now, good carbs and protiens, lots of veggies and increase your water intake.
Get extra sleep.
Lets avoid excessive "celebration" Friday and Saturday so we can stay fresh and show the Kenshokan at its best.

What to bring. Sleepwhere. Training gear for 2.5 days. Advil or pain reliever.
One cool set of clothes for banquet.
Some sandals or slip on shoes for entering and exiting training areas.
Bring note pad and pens.
Bring an additional tote bag for keeping your gi jacket, camera, wallett etc during training. Take lots of photos, you may video classes only with permission from the instructor.
Turn off cell phones in training areas.

(we are staying across the street from the convention, so our room rate is a lot less. Only 55 per person !)

DOJO MATT LOADING FRIDAY AM.

Click

Sometimes you hear it, sometimes not. But every time you do the effort was worth it.
Train with sincerity, pull your heart and mind together add a little sweat and you will have skill. Layer your skill with enough experience and you'll hear it. CLICK. Its a great sound. The click is the mental latch on a new art or concept in our training. Think your Akushu Kote Maki is ok ? Why does Sensei keep telling me to put my foot just so. Over and over again until, click ! Followed usually by, Ohhhh ! When you hear that click go and practice some more until it is cemented into muscle memory. Now go help someone find their click.

-Sensei

Referral Contest

The referral contests ends at the edd of May, we will make an awards presentation at the upcoming dojo picnic.

~Sensei~




Kenshokan dojo Referral Contest
Official Start Date February 1, 2009

Referrals are the highest compliment you can
show to your school and Sensei.
The Dojo realizes when our students and parents
refer us to their friends and family, you
and/or your child must be benefiting from
martial arts training. We believe a referral is
an extension of our student’s satisfaction, and
we do not want that to go unnoticed.
So, If you refer a friend OR family member
and they join the Kenshokan you are entered
in our referral contest.
1st. Prize, Trip for two to Disneyland
2nd. Prize, Choose one of the following,
Samurai Sword, Dojo hooded pullover,
Free Month of Lessons.
3rd. Prize KSK Dojo hooded pullover, Or
$25.00 Cash Card
Everyone who refers a friend will be entered
into a drawing for a special prize to be announced
at the end of our contest.
Any questions contact Sensei at 818-347-3656 or
Sensei@kenshokan.com

AJJF Convention 2009 4-17/4-19

Need to arrainge a shared hotel room, leave a note here.

Century Club New Member !

Congratsulations to Annette Stawski on her passing the first hurdle to be a Century Master. She joins the Century Club after having compleated 100 pushups in 1:54 seconds. Well done!

Caption Contest

Work in progress by Alejandro Stawsky.
We are looking for a caption for this.
Any Ideas ?

~Sensei~

Here Comes the Century Club !

For a few months now I have been hinting about the Kenshokan Century Club. This is a personal achievement club where students take it upon themselves to push a little harder and "max out" on their basic fitness skills. The rules are simple. To enter "the club" First be able to perform 100 push ups in a 2 minuet time period. Once this is done you are a member of the club. Your photo will go up on the website, and there will be a certificate, but that’s not why you do it. You do it for you because you can, or until you can.

I am proud to announce the first junior members of the Century Club.
Alejandro Stawski
Allen Sokolov
both completed 100 push ups in the time allotted. Congratulations !
Next up leg lifts, hill climbers, burpies, pole sits, etc.

Special thanks to Zachary Kauffman for helping the parameters of the club.
By the way he completed the 100 pushups in 53 seconds. Good luck beating that !

Ivy Academia Demonstration a Resounding Success!

Tuesday November 11th the Kenshokan Martial Arts Academy held two back to back demonstrations of Schoolyard-safe self defense techniques at the Ivy academia charter school here in Woodland Hills. Participating in the demo were Sensei Poretz, Sempai Rosa Moreno, Sempai Zack Kauffman. Kenshokan students; Alejandro & Annette Stawski, and Elan Koulax. The demo began with Sensei Poretz giving a brief and somewhat humorous demonstration on the right and wrong way to defend oneself on the playground. We then invited the Ivy kids up to show how easy the basic arts are to learn and then apply.
The 50 or so Ivy students were eager to learn and with the help of the Kenshokan instructors and students the Ivy kids performed their techniques well and with a great spirit. Alejandro and Annette, both Ivy students demonstrated and the students followed and received thunderous applause.
Next up was Elan and Annette who demonstrated a very smooth “wrist whip” throw, a leg take down and a very smooth hip throw. Alejandro and Annette then demonstrated transitions from basic arts to more advanced arts, wowing the crowd. Showing that size doesn’t matter 5’ tall Alejandro threw 6’ Zack over his hip and backwards. Not to be out done Zack made sure that Alejandro got some air time of his own with an outside thigh sweep throw. Then Sensei Poretz demonstrated some advanced arts on Zack, appearing to violate the laws of gravity and getting “oohs” and “aahs” from the crowd.
We then had a Q&A session and the Ivy kids had a lot of great questions about jujitsu and other martial arts. They are an incredible and lively bunch.
I am looking forward to the Kenshokan providing more demos at schools and events throughout the school year.

The event photos are up for viewing CLICK HERE.
~Sensei

New Member

The Kenshokan welcomes Danny H. to the dojo. Welcome. Enjoy. Train with sincerity.

Also Welcome home to Aaron and Maya R. It was a long summer and we certainly missed you.

Jealousy and Paradise

I sat at the desk thrilled that some new was joining the dojo and at the same time we had someone trying it out for the first time. I know the benefits of DZR and wouldn't trade them for the world, but still it amazes me that someone new is joining the Ryu. Will they train for a year or two take the knowledge with them and move on or is this new student a future professor guiding and coloring our art.
Then it hits me. I cant stay, the mental battle begins. train with my students, and guest instructor Mat, or keep the word to the Misses ? She would understand. I am sure she would...............Family wins. Iam home, my 3 year old has Tammy last bit of patience on a thread, and I sit down to dinner with my family. Something I give up four nights a week for my other love the Kenshokan.
See you on the mat. Soon.

AM workout Schedule.

Ok lets hear from you blue and greens, (gokyu and Yonkyu) I'd like to hold some AM classes for you guys. I am available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday AM best times between 8am and 10am. Nage and Shime and Blue lists to be covered.
Answer here and we'll get the gang together.
~Sesnei~

The Photoshop Effect and Self Image

Watch the video, show it to all the women and girls you know. Don't let a magazine tell you how you should look. Be yourself, love yourself, be healthy.