Dojo Etiquette
Proper observance of etiquette is as much a part of your training as is learning techniques. Please take the following guidelines seriously.
*Be at the dojo at least 15 minutes before class scheduled start time.
*If mats still need to be put down be prepared to help make sure mats are down before class starts.
*When stepping on/off mats bow in the direction of the Kamiza where O Sensei’s picture is. This shows respect to the founder of Aikido.
*5 minutes before class students need to be ready and sitting seiza on mats prepared for class to begin.
*If you are late to class, quickly change and bow upon entering training space. Then sit seiza on side area until Sensei gives you the Ok to join class.
*While training with your partners remember to work with them wheter you are uke or nage.
*If you have questions please wait until the instructor comes to you. Do Not Call out to the instructor. Once your question(s) have been answered bow to your instructor, continue practice.
*If you are called upon to assist in a demonstration of technique, bow before standing and say Hai Sensei and then bow before the technique is done. After demonstration bow to Sensei before returning to seiza.
*Do not talk during demonstration. Only talk if asked and keep comments related to Aikido if Sensei asks you to respond.
*If you need to leave the mat for any reason, ask Sensei for permission before leaving mat. Bow before leaving mat and upon return. Remember to wait until given permission to join again.
*At end of class be prepared to clean mats and dojo. Be ready to put up all mats before you go to change clothes.
*No food or drink on mats.
*No gum or candy in mouth during any training anytime.
*Remove all jewelry, watches, earings, etc. that may cause damage to mats, you, or the people you train with.
*NEVER WEAR YOUR SHOES ON THE MATS!!!!!!
*Please keep your Uniform (Gi) clean, in good shape, and free of offensive odors.
*Do not change your clothes on the mat.
*Please keep your fingers and toe nails clipped.
*If you have any injuries please mark them and tell the students you work with before they find your injury on their own.
*Please keep talking during class to a minimum.
*Remember that you are here to learn, and not to gratify your ego.
Preserve common-sense standards of decency and respect at all times.
