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The bow is the basic form of respect and gratitude. Stand facing
the kamidana and bow on entering and leaving the practice area
of the dojo - and when stepping on or off the mat. |
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A few minutes before practice begins, warm up and sit in
seiza in
quiet meditation. These few minutes are to rid your mind of the
day's problems and to prepare for study. |
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The formal bow to begin and end practice is a bow in the
direction of the kamidana, and a mutual bow between instructor
and students. |
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Effort should be made to be on time for class. If unavoidably
late, sit in seiza at the side of the mat and wait for the instructor
to acknowledge you. Do the formal bow individually before beginning
practice. If it is necessary to leave early, inform the instructor
before class. An individual formal bow should be done to close
your practice before leaving. Do not enter or leave the mat area
while the instructor is showing a technique. |
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After the instructor shows a technique, students bow, choose
partners quickly, bow to each other, and begin to practice. At
the end of a practice session, stop practice immediately, bow,
and quickly line up in seiza. Wait for further instruction. |
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The expression used at the beginning of class and of each
individual practice is onegaishimasu
. After each practice session, domo arigato
gozaimashita is the
expression used and after class. |
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Traditionally, the instructor's title is Sensei in the dojo. |
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The proper way to sit during practice is in seiza. A cross-legged
sitting position is acceptable if seiza is not possible. If a
student has a particular problem with knees or feet that interferes
with the ability to sit in seiza, the instructor should be informed.
Always, a balanced, straight posture should be maintained. Don't
lean on walls or posts, Never sit with legs outstretched. |
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Students should not sit with their backs to the kamidana
or pass between the instructor and the kamidana. |
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If you have a question, go to the instructor, bow, and wait
to be acknowledged. |
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When receiving personal instruction during class, sit in
seiza and watch intently. Bow formally to Sensei when he or she
has finished. |
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When the Sensei is personally instructing another student
in your vicinity, sit and watch, allowing adequate space, and
bow before resuming practice. |
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Never stand around idly on the mat. You should be practicing,
or - if necessary, seated formally awaiting your turn. |
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It is essential that the teacher's instructions are followed
exactly. Many Aikido techniques can be dangerous if not practiced
properly. |
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Be aware of the ability level and physical condition of your
training partners. Cooperation between uke and nage is essential to safe and constructive
training. |
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Do-gis should be clean and in good repair. Hands and feet
should be clean; fingernails and toenails must be trimmed short.
All jewelry, watches and rings should be removed before class. |
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Do not use alcohol or drugs before class. Without full alertness
practice can be dangerous for yourself and others. |
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Blood is a potential source of infection. If your are bleeding,
immediately leave the mat and attend to the injury. It is important
to cover the wound thoroughly and to clean any blood from the
mat. Do not let your blood come into contact with other students. |
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Once class has started, students should not leave the mat
except for injury or illness. Please do not eat, drink, smoke,
or chew gum during class - on or off the mat. |
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When watching class off the mat, watch quietly from the back
of the dojo. Visitors should sit quietly at the back of the dojo,
preferably arriving before practice has begun - and not leaving
until after it is over. |
