Dojo Etiquette

To benefit and enjoy your training in Aikido, to create an atmosphere of mutual respect among the students and teachers, and for safety there are certain rules of etiquette that are followed in the dojo.

  1. Bowing
    • Bow toward Tokonoma when entering and leaving the dojo.
    • Entire class performs formal bow at beginning and end of class.
    • Bow toward partner when beginning and ending practice of a technique.
    • Bow to Sensei when receiving individual instruction during class.
    • Please be on time for class (preferably early), but if you must be late perform formal bow alone.
  • Bowing is a form of paying respect to Aikido, O’ Sensei, the dojo, Sensei, and your training partners. Alone the bow is but a hollow shell; it is the spirit in which it is done that gives a bow value and meaning.
  1. Attire
    • A double knit Judo Gi shall be worn in class.
    • Gi shall be clean and in good repair at all times.
    • Yudansha shall wear black Hakama. It must be clean and pressed.
    • No jewelry of any kind shall be worn in class. This is for the safety of you and your training partners.
    • Long hair shall be contained with hair tie and/or headband.
    • If glasses must be worn, they should be held in place with an elastic band.
  2. Cleanliness
    • Clean feet before stepping on mat. Shoes are not allowed on the mat.
    • Train with a clean body.
    • Keep fingernails and toenails clipped short for class.
  3. Dojo
    • Maintaining the dojo is the responsibility of all students.
    • Mats shall be swept before and after each class.
    • Dojo premises shall be kept clean at all times. All carpeted areas must be vacuumed. Bathrooms and dressing rooms should be neat and orderly. Entrance should be kept free of all personal effects except shoes.
  4. General
    • At the beginning and end of class, sit in order of seniority. Sempai sit in front and to the right. Sempai are responsible for lining up students properly before and after class.
    • Sempai are responsible for all dojo rules being followed.
    • Kohai are responsible for following Sempai’s examples.
  5. Safety
    • Inform your instructor before class if you have any injuries or limitations.
    • Never train under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  6. Tuition
    • Tuition should be paid between the 20th and the 25th for the following month. If this is not possible, make arrangements with the Sensei.
  7. Courtesy
    • During class the instructor should be addressed as Sensei. Assistant instructors should be addressed as Sempai.
    • ONEGAI SHIMASU – Literally, “Thank you for what you are about to do.”
    • DOMO ARIGATO GOZAIMASU SENSEI – “Thank you very much Sensei.” (usual)
    • DOMO ARIGATO GOZAIMASHITA SENSEI – “Thank you very much Sensei.” (past tense, used at end of training session)

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