The 10 COMMANDS ON THE TATAMI:

1- You have to greet the Tatami, every time you walk up to it and when you walk away from it.

2- A few minutes before the training, you have to sit down in a single line in a seiza(Kneeling) position. You must never lean on the wall or stretch out your legs, unless wounded.

3- The course begins and ends with a formal ceremony; that is when the teacher performs the mokuso.(Meditation) This allows your spirit to void itself, to free you from the problems of the day, and get you ready for training.

4- It is essential to arrive on time for the course. If you arrive late, you must wait next to the tatami until the teacher motions for you to join the training session.

5- Do not leave the tatami during the training session unless wounded or ill; always request permission from the teacher.

6- When the teacher shows a technique, you have to be in a seiza position (unless otherwise mentioned) and you must be listening and looking attentively in silence. After the demonstration, greet your partner and begin to work.

7- As soon as the end of a technique is announced, stop whatever action, greet your partner, and stay in the Fudo Dachi position, with your fists closed on each side of your body.

8- Never remain standing on the tatami without working. If necessary, remain in seiza position waiting for your turn.

9- Respect the higher ranked belts. Never argue about a technique.

10- If you know the technique and you work it with someone who doesn’t know it, you can guide him. But do not try to correct him if you don’t have the Yudansha level (black belt).

Bonus: Wearing of jewels during training isn’t advised.