Two Japanese Terms

I’m not into formality for the sake of formality.  One standing bow at the beginning of class, another one at the end.  I say one Japanese term at the beginning, and one to close the class.  The first is onegaishimasu (oh-neh-guy-she-mah-sue).  I have seen it translated as “please be kind to me” or “please do this favor for me.” The meaning changes slightly depending on the situation, but the intent is the same, and it is used constantly in Japanese society.  Everytime you bow to your partner to begin a set of techniques in Aikido, onegaishimasu is said.  In some schools, it’s abbreviated down to hearty “Oss.”

Domo arigato gozaimashita (doh-moh are-E-gah-toh goh-zhai-E-mah-she-tah) is the second Japanese term used.  It means “thank you very much.” Domo is the equivalant of “thanks” and is less formal.  Domo arigato is “thank you”, so domo arigato gozaimashita a polite way of saying “thank you very much.” No Mr. Roboto follows in typical Japanese conversations.

Two terms, two bows.  Maybe Japanese equivalents in techniques (uchimata, kesagatame) will be mentioned in class, but no laundry list need be memorized.  Just enough formality to keep things civil and relaxed.  Too much etiquette can quash a bit of the warmth, a bit of the spontaneity found in many BJJ classes.  I have never, in any Aikido class, gotten up and circled around the instructor to get a better view of a detail in the technique while they were explaining.  It doesn’t work like that.  You sit in a formal line, on your knees or cross legged, and watch the instructor in the center, who may not even say a word. 

I like the closeness of BJJ; in the instruction, in the physicality of the art, and in the camaraderie with your training partners.  I’m using just enough etiquette to fit the circumstance and keep a positive and productive environment.  Not rules from on high to dictate our behaviors.  That’s what organized religion is for, and it’s tough to compete in that market.  Those guys are light years ahead of me. 

In the future, of course, my rules will shift.  As more people join, different organizational strategies must be employed.  It’s just adaptability.  And that need never changes.