Dojo Etiquette
At first, etiquette may seem confusing, but if you follow the examples of the instructors and senior students it will become more natural over time.• Bowing
Bowing is done frequently and is a practice of humility. It is one way respect is shown to the art, your teachers, your fellow students and the dojo, and has no religious connotation. When bowing, put your entire self into your bow, so it does not become empty, but rather full of life.
✓When entering and leaving the dojo perform a standing bow facing the direction of the Kamiza(Shomen)
✓When first stepping onto the mat for practice, perform a standing bow at the edge of the mat, step onto the mat and perform a seated bow (in seiza) toward the Kamiza (Shomen).
✓When receiving instruction from your teachers sit in seiza and bow after the instruction is received
• Etiquette on the mat
✓Talking on the mat should be kept to a minimum. Aikido is learned through focused observation and physical practice.
✓Do not sit with your back against the walls.
✓Do not lean against the wall unless engaged in an active stretch.
✓During class, if two students collide into each other, those students along with their partners should perform a seated bow toward each other.
✓Students should be lined up and ready to begin several minutes before class starts.
•Lateness
Please be on-time. If you must be late and you know ahead of time you will be late, please call the dojo and inform the teacher. If class has begun, change into your Gi quietly then approach the edge of the mat and sit in seiza, off the mat, until the instructor signals for you to join class. After stepping onto the mat, perform two seated bows; one to the Kamiza (Shomen) and one to the instructor. Take a place on the mat without disturbing the class and join in.
•Cleaning
✓As part of our training, members clean the dojo after or before class. When cleaning make every attempt to continue your awareness training.
✓Keep your Gi (uniform) clean.
✓Trim your nails to avoid injuring yourself and others.
✓Remove make-up and jewelry before practice.
•In General
✓During class, if you are injured, feel faint, need water or, for any other reason, need to leave the mat, inform the instructor first.
✓If you will be out of town or if you are injured or sick, and will not be in class as usual, please inform the chief instructors.
✓Remember, dues are not paid for Aikido instruction. They support the dojo, the quantity and the quality of instruction.
✓Please do not talk on the mobile phone in the dojo unless it is an emergency. Cell phones should be turned off or silent during class.