Club Etiquette

Below are the basics of traditional Japanese etiquette as applied to aikido.

1. Entering the dojo
As you enter through the door of the dojo (training hall), perform a standing bow towards the kamiza (the picture of O Sensei displayed at the front of the mat). Wear zori (sandals or flipflops) to and from the mat, but no footwear is worn on the mat itself. Step onto the mat (sometimes called the tatami) and perform a kneeling bow towards the kamiza.

Kneeling bow (rei)- This is done by remaining seated on your heels and soles of your feet. Place your left hand and then your right hand on the tatami in front of you so that your two thumbs and index fingers form a triangle.

2. Starting a class
When the sensei (instructor) enters the dojo, all members should kneel in a line facing towards the kamiza. Sit in grade order with the senior grades to the right. All members bow to the kamiza as a sign of respect, then bow to the sensei saying "onegaishimasu" (pronounced on-egg-eye-she-mass) meaning, 'please teach me'. Follow sensei's lead during the warm-up exercises.

3. During class
Remember to bow to each of your training partners before you practice and when you stop. If sensei gives individual instruction to you and your partner, it is proper to perform a bow afterwards as a ‘thank you’. Whilst sensei is working with your partner, kneel on the tatami (but never with your back to the kamiza). When sensei demonstrates a new technique to the class, bow after he invites you to partner up and practise it.

4. Arriving late or leaving early
If you are late for a training session, wait at the edge of the tatami until sensei is not demonstrating and has invited you to come on to the mat. Bow, step onto the tatami and perform a kneeling bow towards the kamiza. Always ask permission from the instructor before you leave the mat for any reason.

5. Finishing Class
Line up in grade order as at the start of the class and all bow with sensei towards the kamiza. It is polite to say, "Domo arigato gozaimashita" ('thank you very much'). Allow the instructor to leave the tatami first. After the sensei has left the mat, bow to your partners as a polite thank you.

8. Leaving the dojo
As you leave through the door perform a standing bow towards the kamiza.

9. Hygiene
Wash your gi frequently. Ensure that nails are kept short and long hair is tied back. Jewellery or footwear should not be worn on the mat. You should always maintain a high standard of general personal hygiene.

10. Showing respect
Never sit with your back to the picture of O'Sensei.

11. Practicing safely
Always be thoughtful of the other people who you are practicing with and be aware of those practicing around you. You should always practice safely and consider the person you are practicing with. Make sure that your gi remains tied properly and that you remain adequately covered. Weapons should be placed perpendicular to the sides of the mat and never in front of the kamiza.