It is very important to follow the Dojo Etiquette and to behave in a dignified and disciplined manner at all times.
This is not being subservient, but merely showing respect to the dojo and your fellow Aikidoka, regardless of creed, colour or the level at which they have reached.
In time, this will permeate into our everyday lifestyle so that we can ensure that we make a positive contribution to our community and society as a whole. |
|
|
1 |
Opon entering the dojo, perform a standing bow towards the kamida and continue to the changing room. |
2 |
Remove all jewellery before the class. |
3 |
Return to the dojo, remove our footwear and step on the mat. |
4 |
Next, we kneel and perform a bow, (with the left hand on the ground first) in the direction of O Sensei (the picture of the founder on the wall) and then to our fellow aikidoka. The atmosphere should be relatively informal as we wait for Sensei to arrive. At this point you may perform your own warm-up excercises. |
5 |
Just before the arrival of Sensei, it is up to the most senior graded Aikidoka to start the class (usually with a loud clap). we then adopt the position known as seiza (kneeling posture), about a metre from the brick wall, facing the picture of O Sensei, and wait for Sensei to enter the dojo. |
6 |
Sensei joins the class and performs a kneeling bow towards the picture of O Sensei. |
7 |
Sensei then walks to the centre of the tatami, kneels down and then joins the class as we all perform a kneeling bow towards the picture of O Sensei |
8 |
Then Sensei bows to us and we exchange the word "onegaishemasu". |
9 |
We then follow sensei in a warm up so that we may train without fear of injury. The class then begins. |
10 |
The basic format of the class is that of Sensei demonstrating a technique and then our subsequent performance of the technique under Sensei's supervision. Bow to your partner before and after practice with him. |
11 |
Before using the weapons, it is customary to bow to your weapon in the direction of O Sensei, with the blade (if sword) towards you. Repeat this after practice. |
12 |
When sitting in seiza with weapons, the jo and bokken should be placed by your right leg, level with your knees. The bokken should have its imaginary blade facing you. |
13 |
At the end of the class line up in the same way as in the beginning, bow to O Sensei, and bow to Sensei with thanking him by saying "Domo arigato gozaimashita". Do not get up straight away, but wait until sensei has left the mat and the senior graded Aikidoka has said "Rei" (bow). |
General notes |
1 |
Keep your keikogi (suit) clean. |
2 |
Cut your nails regularly. |
3 |
Arrive at classes on time. If late, perform the standing bow towards O Sensei, off the mat and wait. When Sensei signals you, kneel on the mat and bow to O Sensei. |
4 |
Notify Sensei and your fellow students of any injury you have or you acquire in the course of practice. |
5 |
If you do not understand something, ask Sensei or senior grade. They will offer an explanation or ask someone who knows. |
6 |
Under no circumstance is swearing acceptable, on or off the Tatami. The Dojo is a sacred training place and should be treated as so! |