Aikido follows a system of etiquette, which is a set of guidelines for how to behave when you are in the dojo (practice hall). We observe etiquette for many reasons: to show respect for our partners and teachers, to maintain our dojo, to keep our classes safe and running smoothly, and to help us focus mentally on practice. We consider etiquette an important part of training, so we ask that you begin following these guidelines as soon as you start aikido:
Cleanliness
- Come to practice with a clean body and clean gi (uniform). If you don’t have a gi, you can wear loose-fitting clothing (sweats are best). There is a lot of contact in aikido, which is more pleasant when we and our partners are clean. Pay special attention to your hands, which make a lot of contact with your partners, and your feet, which make a lot of contact with the mat.
- To prevent tracking on the mat, please wear zori (sandals or thongs) from the dressing room to the mat. If you don’t have zori, wear shoes. Because our faces touch the mat during practice, it is especially important that we keep the mat clean.
- If possible, do not wear heavy perfume or cologne when practicing. Some people are allergic; others simply don’t like it. Also, do not wear makeup on the mat. If you wear makeup during practice, you will soon find it all over the mat and other people.
Safety
- Please take jewelry off before practicing. This includes earrings, necklaces, watches, etc. All foreign objects have the potential of hurting you or someone else.
- Please keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed. Long nails are dangerous, because they can easily cut other people. They’ve also been known to break or bend backwards (Ouch!). The club has nail clippers you can use. Ask a senior student (brown or black belt) for assistance if your don’t know where to find them.
- Always strive to avoid accidents. When you practice aikido, pay attention to your surroundings so you can avoid colliding with other students. If you or your partner accidentally collides with another student during practice, bow to the student and his or her partner and say “excuse me.” Then resolve to pay better attention next time. Even if you didn’t cause the accident, chances are you could have prevented it.
- When practicing aikido, always take into account your and you partner’s ability and practice at a level that is comfortable for both of you.
- As much as possible, practice in a steady, smooth manner. Quick, jerky techniques can be unpleasant and possibly dangerous to a beginning student who is not yet able to receive them.
Bowing
- Bowing in seated posture (seiza) is the most formal and common way to bow when on the mat. When you are off the mat, bow from a standing position.
- Bow toward the picture of O-Sensei (the founder of Aikido) before entering or leacing the mat area.
- Bow toward the picture of O-Sensei as soon as you get on the mat and before you step off the mat.
- Before and after practice, line up facing the front of the dojo (higher ranks to the right, lower ranks to the left). Following the sensei’s lead, bow (as a group) to the picture of O-Sensei, then to the sensei.
- At the end of practice, when the sensei has left the mat, bow once again (as a group) to the picture of O-Sensei. Then bow to each of your partners for that class.
- Bow to each new partner before you start practicing.
- When you change partners, bow to your former partner first, then bow to a new partner.
- After the sensei instructs you or your partner indicidually, bow and say “thank you, sensei.”
Other Important Points
- If you have a question while a technique is being demonstrated, raise your hand and wait until the sensei acknowledges that you have a question, than bow and ask your question.
- If you have a question while practicing, wait until the sensei comes to your area of the mat, then sit in seiza, raise your hand, and wait for your question to be acknowledged. Then bow and ask your question.
- If you arrive late for class, you must get the instructor’s permission to practice. To do this , sit in seiza on the edge of the mat and bow toward the picture of O-Sensei. Wait for the intstructor to motion you onto the mat. Then bow again and join the class.
- If you want to leave the mat, you must first ask permission of the sensei, even if he/she knows you are leaving early. When you get permission, bow to the sensei. Then bow to the picture of O-Sensei before leaving the mat. If you have a physical emergency (bloody nose, nausea, injury, etc.) and need to leave the mat quickly, just leave. When the emergency is over, you can tell the sensei why you left.
- Never sit with your back to the picture of O-Sensei, or sit between the sensei and the picture of O-Sensei.
These are a lot of rules to remember, but they should come naturally to you in time. Keep in mind that etiquette means more than just having good manners. Ir means carring for our fellow students, our teachers, and our dojo. In every aspect of your aikido practice, try to show respect, courtesy, and good sense. If you practice with a positive and willing attitude, you will learn quickly.
If you have any questions about etiquette or other aspects of aikido practice, please feel free to ask someone wearing a brown or black belt. These are our senior students. They are glad to help you. We’re appreciate your interest in aikido.
