General
Use of the Noma Dojo for members and associate members of the Noma Dojo Dokokai is made possible by the goodwill of Kodansha Ltd. Members and associate members of the Noma Dojo Dokokai shall respect the traditions and history of the Noma Dojo; the philosophy of its founder, Seiji Noma; and the legacies of the kendo sensei who have given devoted service to the Noma Dojo over the decades.

The Noma Dojo Dokokai aims to further the development and wider appreciation of kendo through traditional teaching and regular practice at the Noma Dojo, and through the association of its members.

Individuals who fail to keep to accepted levels of decorum in matters of speech, behaviour and good manners toward their fellow members will forfeit membership of the Noma Dojo Dokokai and they will not be permitted to enter the Noma Dojo.

Acquisition of membership Membership is acquired solely by personal introduction from an existing member of good standing. Upon obtaining an introduction to the Noma Dojo Dokokai, the prospective member or prospective associate member must complete registration and other relevant application procedures, including the payment of the joining fee and dues, prior to commencing kendo practice.

Members who introduce a new member or associate member must attest to the new member's character and accept responsibility for the new member's conduct by signing and attaching their personal seal to the membership documents and written oath of membership.

The Noma Dojo Dokokai has the right to refuse and/or cancel an individual's membership at any time irrespective of fees paid and/or possession of completed membership documents, or length of time of membership.

Fees
1. Joining fee: 3,000 yen
2. Annual fee, Full Member: 12,000 yen; Associate Member: 10,000 yen
3. All fees are payable in advance.

Types of Membership

1. Senior members ranked hanshi or 8th dan and above and/or members aged 88 and over are not required to pay fees in consideration of years of service and distinguished contribution to kendo and the Noma Dojo.

2. Full members including teachers ranked 7th dan and below are required to pay an annual fee of 12,000 yen.

3. Associate Members pay an annual fee of 10,000 yen or more to help with the support and upkeep of the Dojo.

Requirements for kendo practice at the Noma Dojo

All members, including member's guests, and members responsible for, or in charge of, visiting groups must sign the Guest Book at the entrance to the Dojo.

All persons taking part in a practice must wear a tare bearing their name and affiliation (ie, club name or area).

Members must show respect (ie, bow) to teachers and seniors when entering and leaving the Dojo.

During practice, members are expected to behave in a polite and courteous manner to fellow members and visitors.

Smoking is not allowed inside the Noma Dojo except after practice in the designated place and only at the invitation of the senior member present.

Use of another member's equipment without said member's express permission on each occasion is prohibited.

Equipment, if kept at the Noma Dojo, must be stored neatly in its designated place. Members are also expected to keep the Noma Dojo tidy and to report any faults, damage or breakage promptly to the persons in charge.

Regular morning practice is from 7.00-8.00 a.m, Monday to Friday. (Saturday and Sunday practice or "holiday practice" also takes place.)

Members are expected to be changed and engaged in or ready for practice no later than 7.30 a.m. unless there are extenuating circumstances for late arrival.

The commencement of practice after 8.00 a.m. is not permitted.

Extended practice beyond 8.30 a.m. requires the permission of the Director of the Noma Dojo Dokokai or the Dojo Manager.

In general and unless members are notified to the contrary, practice is presumed to take place daily, including holidays, but excluding the New Year holiday period from late December to early January.

Members undertake to leave the Noma Dojo by 9.00 a.m. Kendo practice or entry into the Noma Dojo outside normal hours is not permitted.

Members travelling by car to the Dojo are requested to park in an orderly manner and to display the mandatory parking pass.

Members and Associate Members and their guests understand and agree that the directors of the Noma Dojo Dokokai, the manager of the Noma Dojo and/or his assistants, and the management of Kodansha Ltd bear no responsibility for any injury to the person, or loss or damage to property incurred while using or visiting the Noma Dojo.

Any complaints or suggestions from Members and Associate Members should be put in writing for the attention of either the Director of the Noma Dojo Dokokai or the Manager of the Noma Dojo.