Like, I saw a guy bow when going off the mat.
Stuff like that I need to know.
There are general rules of thumb that are mostly universal, but there are always exceptions.
Will your first day consist of a private lesson, group class, or both? If you have a private lesson, school etiquette should be explained then. Otherwise, I would follow what the other students tend to do and ask questions in a respectful manner as others have suggested. Unless you're at a questionable school, people will understand that as a new student, you may not know all the proper protocol and will cut you some slack.
Get picked on by the ohana.
Bowing is just showing respect
Pay attention to what others are doing and follow suit. Noone is going to expect perfection from you on the first day but you will be expected to try hard.
Bowing on and off the training area is pretty much custom in almost every school. Also taking off your shoes when entering the school. Watch where others take off their shoes and where they put them. In a real traditional school the shoes for a beginner go on the very bottom shelf (Sensei and senior students shoes go on the top shelf) so you can't go wrong putting your shoes on the bottom shelf until you find out if that is the custom in your school too.
Be neat. When you change hang up your clothes or fold them and leave them in a stack or keep them in your bag rather than carelessly thrown on the floor. Keep your things out of other people's way like your bag put against a wall rather than leaving it in the middle of the floor where people can trip over it. Try to be considerate to others. Again watch what everybody else does.
In our dojo we usually help new students by showing them where everything goes and what the customs are. So be polite and courteous, say 'thank you' and 'please' and 'excuse me' and you will be just fine not just on your first day in the dojo but everywhere else too.
just ask about the bowing, say im not sure. am i supposed to bow? when am i supposed to do it they'll be happy to tell you
Every school is different. You will find out what is ans is not acceptable in your school after you show up for class.
You want to make a good impression? Just do your best. This is what we want from our students.
I agree with Lind, bow before entering and leaving the mat. Also bow to your Sensei and Sempai before and after each session with them. You'll be fine. Always smile and be respectful. I'm sure you'll do well. ^_^
You bow before and after you go on and leave the mat. Always be respectful to other students and the teachers.
Follow along and ask question if unsure, but im pretty sure they should have something organised for the intro student.
Anything I need to know? I want to get in a good first impression.
Like, I saw a guy bow when going off the mat.
Stuff like that I need to know.
