Although there will at first seem to be many forms of etiquette to remember, they will come naturally as you continue to learn. Please do not feel bad if you are corrected on a point of etiquette. Each one is important for your safety, to facilitate the learning experience, and to encourage consideration and respect for each other.
Note: Aikido is not a religion, but the education and refinement of the spirit. You will not be asked to adhere to any religious doctrine, but only to remain culturally open-minded. When we bow it is not a religious performance, but a sign of respect for the same spirit of universal creative intelligence within us all.
Dojo Etiquette
You are welcome to sit and watch a class at any time, but the following rules of etiquette must be followed.
Sit respectfully, never with legs propped up on the furniture or in a reclining position.
Do not talk to anyone while they are on the mat and class is in progress.
Do not talk or walk around while the instructor is demonstrating or during the opening and closing ceremony.
Observing a Training Session
Shoes of any kind are never allowed on the mat.
Upon entering and leaving the practice area of the dojo make a standing bow.
Always bow in the direction of the shomen when stepping on or off the mat.
Entering or Leaving the Dojo
Before Instruction Begins
A few minutes before class time you should be warmed up and formally seated in quiet meditation to rid your mind of the day’s concerns and prepare for study and training.
It is important to be on time for practice and participate in the opening ceremony.
If you are unavoidably late you should wait, formally seated beside the mat until the instructor signals his or her permission for you to join the class. Quietly perform a simple seated bow as you get on the mat.
Bowing In - Opening & Closing Ceremonies
In the opening and closing ceremonies of each Aikido practice, the bows directed to the shomen symbolize respect for the spirit and principles of Aikido, and gratitude to the Founder for developing this system of study. The two claps symbolize unity, “musubi.” You send out a vibration with the first clap and receive its echo with the second. The vibration you send and the echo you receive are dictated by your own beliefs and attitudes.
Everyone bows formally (in seiza) toward the shomen (head wall), claps twice, and bows again. The instructor then turns toward the students and everyone bows again to each other.
The words spoken at the beginning of practice between the students and instructor are, “Onegai shimasu.” Loosely translated, it is a request which when spoken by the student means, “Please give me your instruction.” When spoken by the teacher it means, “Please do what is expected of you.” Or “Please receive my instruction.”
The words spoken by the student to the instructor at the end of practice are, “Domo arigato gozaimashita.” “You have my respect and gratitude for what you have just done.” This is the most respectful way of saying thank you.
During Training & Instruction
The only proper way to sit on the mat is in seiza (formal sitting position). If you have a knee injury you may sit cross-legged, but never with legs outstretched, never reclining, and never leaning against walls or posts.
During class when the instructor demonstrates a technique for everyone to practice, sit in line quietly and attentively in seiza.
When receiving personal instruction, sit in seiza and watch intently. Bow when the instructor has finished. When another near by is being instructed you may stop your practice to watch. Sit and bow as before.
If it is necessary to ask a question of the instructor you should go to him or her and bow respectfully (standing bow). Never call the instructor over to you.
Do not leave the mat during class except in the case of injury or illness.
Training with a Partner
After the demonstration of a technique, bow to the instructor, then to a partner, and immediately begin to practice.
When the end of technique practice is signaled, stop immediately, bow to your partner and quickly line up with the other students.
Keep talking on the mat to an absolute minimum. Aikido is experience.
If you understand the movement and are working with someone who does not, you may lead that person through it and provide feedback.
Do not attempt to correct or instruct your training partner unless you are authorized to do so.
Respect those more experienced. Never argue about technique.
Respect those less experienced. Do not pressure your ideas on others.
Never stand around idly on the mat. You should be practicing or, if necessary, seated in seiza awaiting your turn.
Personal Cleanliness & Equipment Condition
Practice clothing or uniform (gi) should be clean and mended.
Weapons should be in good condition and in their proper place when not in use.
Never use someone else’s practice gi or personal weapons (unless offered).
Hands and feet must be clean.
Fingernails and toenails must be short.
No jewelry should be worn during practice, including rings and pierced earrings.
No eating, drinking, smoking or gum chewing on or off the mat during practice.
Never drink alcoholic beverages while still wearing practice gi.