As a general rule in Japanese culture, it is taboo to turn one’s back (or backside) toward the shinza (the deity’s seat). In a dojo or home this means the kamidana (household shrine), and in a Shinto shrine it means the honden or sanctuary—the place where the kami are enshrined. It is also considered taboo to swing a sword toward the shinza during a demonstration.
Accordingly, in Tenshinryu we avoid sitting with our backs to the kamidana whenever one is present in the dojo, instructors included. During demonstrations we likewise try, as much as possible, not to turn our backs to the kamidana and not to point the sword tip toward it.
Of course, in the natural flow of actual training, instruction, or demonstrations, there will be moments when one’s back—or the sword tip—ends up facing the shinza. This is why the above is a guiding principle: it is an expression of respect for the kami.
However, most people in contemporary Japan are not aware of these age-old customs. We should take special care regarding this.
