Our Code of Conduct
As our mission is to maintain not only the technical abilities but also the wider traditions of Takamura-ha Shindo Yoshin-ryu, reigi
(Jap. 'protocol' or 'etiquette') is important. We aim to conduct ourselves in a way that is in line with these traditions.
Important:
Do not be led to think we're running around all day pretending we were samurai. There is more subtlety to reigi
than might be apparent in the beginning, a subtlety often described by the terms omote
(roughly: surface manifestations) and ura
(roughly: that which lies beyond what is visible to the eye). On the topic of reigi
and its subtlety, we recommend reading Takamura-sensei's essay Budo Reigi in Takamura-ha Shindo Yoshin-ryu.
The following points are the foundations of our code of conduct.
- To always follow the instructor's directions as presented
- To train diligently and seriously with an open mind and a desire to learn
- To attend class as regularly as possible
- To treat my seniors with respect and my juniors with benevolence
- To assist in keeping the training spaces in optimal conditions
- To refrain from public demonstration of techniques outside the training environment without permission
- To never teach the knowledge gained in training beyond that formally sanctioned by license from the school's headmaster
- To never harbor evil intent or malice towards my teacher or any member of the kai
- To refrain from behaviour that could compromise the reputation of the school or the legacy of the school's past members
- To maintain all the traditions of the school to the best of my abilities
