Please perform a standing bow when entering or leaving the dojo.
The formal bow at the beginning and the end of practice consists of two
seated bows towards the front of the dojo, two claps, one more bow, and then
a mutual bow between the instructor and students. The ceremony at the
beginning and end of practice varies somewhat from place to place, so if
there is a visiting instructor, pay close attention and do what they do.
Try to be on time for class, but if you can't help being late, you
should perform the formal bow (with claps) before joining the practice.
If it is necessary to leave practice early, you should inform the
instructor and do an individual formal bow as the close of your own
practice.
Onegaishimasu ('please' or 'I ask a favor') and Arigato
gozaimashita or Sensei, domo arigato gozamashita ('thank you' or
'Sensei, thank you very much') are said at the beginning and the end of
practice respectively, and also between partners at the beginning and end of
each individual practice.
Traditionally the instructor is called Sensei in the dojo.
The proper way to sit during practice is in seiza -- formal
Japanese sitting posture. If you can't sit in seiza, you may sit
cross-legged. If a member has a problem with the knees or feet that
interferes with the ability to sit in seiza, make sure the instructor is
aware of the problem.
An attentive posture should always be maintained -- sit up straight!
Slouching, slumping, or leaning does not further the practice of balance and
centering! You should never sit with the legs outstretched.
Never sit with your back towards the front of the dojo; traditionally
this is the place for the instructor or master to sit while watching class.
If you have to walk past when people are lined up in seiza facing the
front of the dojo, walk in back of them rather than in front.
After the instructor demonstrates a technique, you should bow to the
instructor and say Onegaishimasu.
At Aikido of Orlando, the most senior member practices with the
newest member, and so on down the line (think of the arms of a V closing in
on itself. We practice with that person throughout that particular practice
unless instructed to change partners).
Bow to the person you will be practicing with, and begin. When the end
of a particular practice is signaled (often with two claps), you should stop
practicing immediately and line up quickly, sitting in seiza.
Always follow the instructor's directions exactly, for respect, safety,
and courtesy. Aikido techniques can be dangerous if not practiced properly.
Emphasis should be placed on learning as much as possible by watching
closely and practicing carefully. When the instructor claps, stop practice immediately and listen for
instruction.
Do not chew gum in class.
Do not wear jewelry of any kind while practicing. Jewelry may cut a
partner or get caught in clothing or hair while practicing.
Do not wear make-up while practicing. Make-up can stain your clothing
and the clothing of your partners, as well as the mat.
Keep fingernails and toenails cut short for practice. Long or sharp
nails may cut or otherwise injure your partners.
If you need to go to the bathroom during class, please ask the
instructor for permission to leave the session.
The mat should be laid out by the members before each class, and picked
up afterwards. It is the members' traditional responsibility to keep the
dojo clean. Dojo literally means 'place of the way'. It should be a place
for misogi (purification) and for our sincere personal growth.
