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Your first class
Everything that happens, so nothing surprises you. The instructor walks you through all of it in person.
- 1
Arrive early
Time to change and settle. Punctuality is respect.
- 2
Get ready
Comfortable athletic clothes are fine for your first class — no jewelry, nails short.
- 3
Speak up
Tell the instructor about any injury or limitation before practice begins.
- 4
Bow on entering
The mat is entered with a bow — a habit, not a performance.
- 5
Opening ceremony
A short formal opening: kneel if able, three bows, the class goal is announced.
- 6
Learn the day’s technique
Taught in steps, safety emphasized at each one.
- 7
Practice with partners
Bow to your partner, match their speed, tap if anything hurts — instantly.
- 8
“Yame” means stop
When you hear it, stop at once — the absolute-priority safety command.
- 9
Closing ceremony
The opening in reverse. Then help keep the space as clean as you found it.
“When you hear it, stop at once — the absolute-priority safety command.”
— the one rule with absolute priority
Before you step on the mat
The hygiene standard is part of training — we train close together.
- Clean body and feet
- Short, clean nails
- Hair tied back
- No jewelry or accessories
- No strong odors
What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes for your first class. The official cream gi comes after you join — details are handled in person.
The language of the dojo
A beginner meets these terms in the first weeks. Nobody expects fluency on day one — the instructor explains everything.
Greetings & commands
| Japanese | Romanized | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 礼 | Rei | Bow — respect, entering, exiting, starting, ending |
| 止め | Yame | Stop — immediately, everyone, no exceptions |
| 始め | Hajime | Begin |
| 待て | Mate | Pause / wait |
| 正座 | Seiza | Formal kneeling posture |
| 起立 | Kiritsu | Stand up |
| 先生に礼 | Sensei ni Rei | Bow to the instructor |
| お互いに礼 | Otagai ni Rei | Mutual bow between students |
| 正面に礼 | Shomen ni Rei | Bow to the front |
| 用意 | Yoi | Ready |
Technique categories
| Japanese | Romanized | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 受身 | Ukemi | Falling safely — learned before any throwing |
| 投げ技 | Nage Waza | Throwing techniques |
| 寝技 | Ne Waza | Ground techniques |
| 受け | Uke | Blocking / receiving |
| 当身 | Atemi | Strikes to vital points |
| 関節技 | Kansetsu Waza | Joint techniques / locks |
Dojo terms
| Japanese | Romanized | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 道場 | Dojo | Training hall |
| 先生 | Sensei | Instructor |
| 稽古着 | Gi | Practice uniform — cream at PRJJE |
| 帯 | Obi | Belt |
| 級 | Kyu | Grade before black belt |
| 段 | Dan | Black-belt grade |
| 形 | Kata | Formal sequence of techniques |
| 畳 | Tatami | The practice mat |
Ready to see it in person?
Book your free first class