In kyudo practice, you practice the seven coordinates as a clearly prescribed form. You try to practice this form as precisely as possible. Just as you respect this form, there are many other forms (rules of conduct) in a dojo that you should observe.

The normal course of practice includes the whole time from arriving to leaving the dojo. The two principles "consideration" and "politeness" are to be held high. Your early arrival at the dojo is desired whenever possible. Do not enter the dojo with street shoes!  When entering the dojo, bow slightly towards Kamiza -上座 (elevated place). Then greet those present.

First of all, all work for the dojo is done together: the floor is cleaned, the targets are set up, the group material is provided, the class yumis are stretched etc.

Then you stretch your own yumi. You unpack the yumi, carefully roll the yumimaki -弓巻き (cover) together, tension the yumi and check its condition and shape. Then you put ya's and cake ready. Afterwards you change the clothes. The street clothes you deposit carefully, in Japan they are folded and stored in the Furoshiki - 風呂敷 (cloth)! Do not forget to take off your watch and ear jewellery, as there is a high risk of injury when shooting.

Everything happens in concentrated serenity, everything is part of the practice! Through this approach a strong concentration develops, which enables an intensive Kyudo practice. If you are mindful, you will not turn your yumi upside down, do work with your dressed cake or take foreign material etc.

Before opening and closing the kyudo practice as well as for zazen - 座禅 (sitting), you must remove all the equipment necessary for shooting (yugake, tsuru tsubari kawa (muneate), tsurumaki). Yugake and tsuru tsubari kawa are put on and taken off while sitting (exception: if the ground could soil the clothes, e.g. outdoors).

During zazen and when opening the class "Rei" - 礼 you bow deeply to the kamiza. In contrast, you bow lightly to the Makiwara - 巻藁/ Mato - 的 (target) or other Kyudojin - 弓道人 (practitioner). Bowing always happens with a straight back from the hip. They are a gesture of mutual respect.

Before the first and after the last shot of an exercise, you bow to the Makiwara. When changing in front of the Makiwara, the shooters bow to each other.

Avoid speaking as loudly as possible during practice. Do not push yourself forward - but be determined anyway. Give way to a beginner once in a while. Hand over bows, arrows or other objects so that they can be gripped immediately in the usual way.

Observe the safety rules carefully! Bow and arrow are weapons and could have fatal consequences if handled carelessly.

For Makiwara practice: If the person behind you has not yet made the torikake - 取懸け (tendon grip), you may go to the Makiwara and get your arrow. The person behind you waits until you are back on your place. If the person behind you has already done the torikake, then it is up to you to wait until the arrow is shot.

In long range shooting: the arrow retriever makes his presence known by clapping the arrow twice. All shooters interrupt the practice until the arrow retriever gives the signal to continue (e.g. with "Dozo" > Please). As the arrow fetcher you pull off your yugake.

After the shooting practice first the private material is put away and then the group material. Afterwards you change your clothes. Fold your kyudo clothes carefully and protect them and the other kyudo material from too much heat and sunshine, dirt and moisture. Keep your kyudo items clean!

If you have an uncertainty, ask the Shihan - 師範 (person with the most practice experience) or the respective trainer.

 

What is valid in the dojo may also be practiced and lived in "civil" life.