Dojo etiquette

There are a number of rules of etiquette which have to be followed in the dojo. When you start to learn Aikido with us, you’ll learn these rules during the first days and weeks of your training. As a beginner, you are advised to watch closely how your teachers and senior students behave. However, you may find it useful to know these rules in advance:

Dojo Etiquette

Smoking in the Dojo and practice under influence of alcohol or drugs is not allowed.
Refrain from practice if you are ill or injured or if you carry an infectious disease.
For reasons of hygiene and out of respect for your partners always keep your clothes clean as well as your hand and feet.
For your own and your partner’s safety, do not wear jewelry during practice, and keep finger and toe nails short.
Always enter the dojo with a mind ready to learn and with a positive attitude. If you think you know already, it is difficult for you to learn. Any negative feeling you might be harboring must be left outside the dojo. There is no place for them inside.
The dojo is a place of camaraderie and respect for others. Upon entering the dojo, make sure that you greet your sensei and the class. It creates a welcoming atmosphere if you also greet people when they come in.
Mats should be wiped clean at the beginning of every lesson. This is the responsibility of every student and part of the training. Always arrive at the dojo with plenty of time to change into your dogi and to set up the dojo.
The dojo should be kept spotless. If you see something that indicates otherwise, for example, rubbish or dirt on the floor, don’t wait for someone else to correct it.
Bowing is an appropriate way of showing gratitude and humility, while at the same time placing one’s mind in a state of non-dissension, which is necessary for the right training. Bow when entering or leaving the dojo, and when stepping on and off the training mat.
Be on time for class. If you do happen to arrive late, sit quietly in seiza (formal kneeling position) on the edge of the mat until the instructor grants permission to join practice. Then bow, apologize for being late and enter the mat. Aikido is a Japanese art and coming late is taken very seriously. You might like to tell the Sensei during the break why you were late, if you have a strong reason. Then, do your best to avoid that situation again.
Take off your shoes and leave them neatly at the edge of the mat. Wear slippers or socks in the dojo whenever you are off the mat. This will help keep the mat clean.
Mobile phones must be shut off and remain off; do not talk or send/read text messages during the class.
The kamiza (picture of O’sensei) will be set in front of the mat before every class. At the beginning of each training session, the class lines up and bows to kamiza and then to the instructor, saying onegai shimasu, which translates as “please teach me”. The instructor also says this to the students, but here the meaning is “Please learn with me.” At the end of each training session, bow again to kamiza then to the instructor, saying “Arigato gozaimashita” - ”I was grateful.”
If no instructor is able to attend, open practice will be held. No kamiza will be set up, no one will bow when entering the mat, and there will be only practice, no formal instruction.
During practice, practice with unity of mind and body, and clear your mind of everything but the lesson given and the principles of Aikido. Adopt an attitude of respect. Try your best to contribute to a harmonious atmosphere.
The formal sitting position on the mat is seiza. Sitting with legs outstretched, leaning against posts or walls, or lying down during class is unsafe and shows lack of alertness. If sitting is seiza becomes too uncomfortable or painful, it is permissible to change to a cross-legged position. If instruction of the class is in progress, do your best to stay in seiza or change positions quietly.
After the instructor demonstrates a technique, bow to him/her, choose a partner quickly, bow and begin to practise. When the instructor claps or signals the end of practice, stop immediately, bow to your partner(s) and line up in seiza for further instruction.
When an instructor teaches you or your partner personally, remain quiet until the instructor has finished, and then bow. Even if you are a black belt and have heard the advice a thousand times, to bow shows that you still have an open mind to learning and are ready for more.
Avoid sitting on the mat with your back to the kamiza.
Safety is most important! Always be aware of your partner and your surroundings. Speed and intensity of your practice must be appropriate to your partner’s training level.
For reasons of safety, respect and courtesy, it is essential that the instructions of the teacher be followed exactly. Many techniques are dangerous if not practiced properly.
If you are injured, always inform your teacher. If you are feeling dizzy or tired to the point of exhaustion please sit in seiza at the side of the mat. Never leave the mat without asking your teacher’s permission first.
Your partner is the mirror of yourself. You can learn from any partner, regardless of their age, physical limitations, rank and capabilities. Working with some partners can be more of a challenge than with others. These are often the best opportunities to practice the spirit of Aikido and the fundamental concept of harmonizing with others. If you continue to have difficulties, speak privately to the Sensei or a senior student.
Avoid competition. Competition is not a part of Aikido. Trying to win, bragging about one's power or ability and looking down on other students is not Aikido. The aim of Aikido is to become a better person and to perfect the techniques you are being taught.
Respect the teacher, do not talk during class and follow closely all instructions of the teacher.
Respect your seniors, and protect yourself and your practice partners at all times, to avoid injuries.
After the training, help to tidy up the dojo and, if necessary, to clean the mat. Change your clothes quickly after the training.
You are solely responsible for your valuables. Take care of your belongings, and do not leave rubbish in the dojo.
Photos or videos of the training are strictly prohibited.
A student agrees not to use the techniques he learned in the dojo on any other person, outside of classes at the dojo, except in the case of self-defense under unavoidable circumstances.
Our teachers encourage you to practice also in other Dojos as to widen your horizon in Aikido. If you practice in any other Aikido dojo pay very much attention to the difference in their Keiko and style and in their etiquette. Try find the other teachers’ specialty in his instructions as to learn other important details of a waza that this particular teacher emphasizes. Never compare an instructor with another. Every Sensei has something unique to offer – your job is to discover it.
As a member of our dojo, you shall always actively protect the good reputation of Aikido.
Nowadays the internet has become an important tool for exchanging experience and opinion, also in the world of Aikido. When you use Aikido forums, chatrooms or other online tools of communication, it is important to follow the same principles as in the dojo: respect, gratitude, and non-competition .It is strictly forbidden to make disrespectful comments on other dojos, teachers and/or other students. If you read disrespectful comments about your own dojo, ignore them. If you can't ignore them, learn it. That's your problem. If you feel someone on the internet tries to bring your dojo into disrepute, you can bring it to the attention of your instructors; they will think of a proper way to react.
The club may terminate your membership in case you seriously or repeatedly violate the clubs ethics and/or etiquette.