What NOT to do with Katana at a Dojo

Hello everyone. Thank you for reading this article. I’m Shogo from Let’s ask Shogo, the interpreter of the online lessons and owner of this website.

If you take part in any of our online lessons, you can gather in Japan to train with Seki Sensei in person every year. However, when you come to Japan to really train with a katana master at a dojo, there are a few taboos you need to be aware of to avoid causing any trouble. Here are the first three things you must absolutely NOT do.

1. Walking over a katana
2. Using the katana like a cane
3. Never Leave Anything in the Dojo

Katana has been considered sacred items since ancient times in Japan, and it was also called the “soul of the samurai.” Therefore in katana martial arts, we treat the katana very carefully, and there are many things we must not do with it. Two of the most important things you must avoid are the first two, walking over a katana and using the katana like a cane. If you train at a dojo, there are many occasions where you place the katana on the floor. Please be careful never to walk over your own or someone else’s katana. Also, when you stand up from sitting on the floor, or standing while you have your katana in your hand, never use the katana like a cane. This is very disrespectful and will also damage your katana’s Kojiri (end of the sheath).

Lastly, Seki Sensei is very strict about taking good care of your training tools too. After every training, be sure to always take everything home with you. I once accidentally left my katana and Bokuto wooden katana at the dojo and went. He was very angry and disappointed with my actions, and I deeply regretted it. Please leaving anything behind at the dojo is irresponsible and rude.

However, depending on the Ryuha style and each Sensei, the rules and each detail will differ. Please understand that these three things are just a few that are taught at our dojo.