I have only just started studying Ninpo but have been very impressed with the attitude and teaching of Jason and the high level grades, who assist us learners. Looking at the syllabus and what the other students are doing, the depth of study is incredible, and even after 4 lessons I am starting to feel more fit! I certainly plan to continue studying here, and am really enjoying the training.
David Asbury, 7th Kyu
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Basic Japanese Terms
We study a traditional Japanese martial art, so it is important that basic Japanese terminology is observed. The following hints are to help you get to grips with basic dojo etiquette.
Entering and leaving the dojo
When entering the dojo, first bow to the Kamidana (spiritual focal point of the dojo), and then greet everyone present by saying the appropriate phrase:
- ohayo gozaimasu - good morning
- konnichiwa - good afternoon
- konbanwa - good evening
When leaving the dojo, bow to the Kamidana and then say to anyone present the appropriate phrase:
- sayonara - goodbye
- oyasumi nasai - good night
Training with a partner
When training with a partner, it is good manners to bow to your training partner at the beginning and end of training. When you start training, bow and say “onegai shimasu” (this is similar in Japanese to please, but in this context means “lets train together”).
When you have finished training, bow to your training partner and say “arigato gozaimashita” (thank you).
Addressing the teacher
The teacher in the dojo should be addressed as “Sensei”. Senior grades should be addressed as “Sempai”.
To ask a question of the teacher/senior student, first put your hand up to attract the attention of the teacher/senior student. As the teacher/senior student approaches bow and say “sumimasen Sensei/Sempai”. Sumimasen means excuse me, and after receiving the answer bow and say “arigato gozaimashita”.
Counting
- one - ichi
- two - ni
- three - san
- four - shi (yon)
- five - go
- six - roku
- seven - shichi (nana)
- eight - hachi
- nine - kyu
- ten - ju
Pronouncing Japanese
The following vowels should be pronounced as follows:
- a should be spoken like the “a” sound in the word “ah”
- i should be spoken like the “I” sound in the word “we”
- u should be spoken like the “oo” sound in the word “soon”
- e should be spoken like the “e” sound in the word “get”
- o should be spoken like the “o” sound in the word “old”
As a rough guide, all consonants should be pronounced as in English.
