How to be in the Dojo – Denver Aikikai

Aikido is not a sport. It is a martial way, a discipline, an educational process for training the mind, body and spirit. It is important to have an attitude of respect, sincerity and modesty to create the proper atmosphere to learn Aikido.

The following are etiquette and responsibility guidelines for all students training at Denver Aikikai:

• You cannot buy technique. The monthly membership dues provide a place for training and a way in which to show gratitude for the teaching received. Please pay dues on time and speak to the dojo-cho or an instructor if you have difficulty in doing so.
• Receive instruction and carry out suggestions for training sincerely and to the best of your ability. There is no room for argument on the mat.
• There will be no competition, power struggles or conflicts of ego on the mat.
• Never use Aikido technique to harm another person or as a way to display your ego.
• Everyone has different physical abilities and reasons for study. These must be respected. It is your responsibility to cause no injury to your training partner or yourself.
• Upon entering and leaving the practice area of the dojo make a standing bow.
• Always bow when stepping on or off the mat in the direction of the shomen.
• Respect your training tools. Dogi 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 dogi or weapons without permission.
• Keeping the dojo clean is a part of your practice and contribution.
• Line up promptly a minute or two before class is scheduled to begin. There should be no talking in the line or while bowing in.
• It is best to be on time for class, but if you must be late, please still come. You should stay 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.
• The best 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.
• Do not leave the mat during class except in the case of injury or illness. Always let the instructor know before leaving the mat.
• During class when the instructor demonstrates a technique for practice, sit quietly and attentively. After the demonstration, bow to the instructor, then to a partner and immediately begin to practice.
• When the end of a technique is signaled, stop immediately, bow to your partner and quickly line up with the other students.
• Never stand around idly on the mat. You should be practicing or, if necessary, seated awaiting your turn.
• 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.
• When receiving personal instruction, sit in seiza and watch intently. Bow formally when the instructor has finished. When another nearby is being instructed you may stop your practice to watch. Sit formally and bow as before.
• Respect those more experienced. Never argue about technique.
• If you understand the movement and are working with someone who does not, you may lead that person through it using your body. Verbal correction or guidance should be kept to a minimum unless you are specifically asked to help a beginner.
• Keep talking on the mat to a minimum. Aikido is best learned experience and repetition.
• Fingernails and toenails must be short. Feet must be clean. Shoes or sandals are never allowed on the mat.
• No eating, drinking, smoking or gum chewing on the mat.
• No jewelry should be worn during practice, including rings and pierced earrings.
• Never drink alcoholic beverages while still wearing practice dogi.

You are welcome to sit and watch a class at any time, but the following rules of etiquette should be observed.

• 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.
• Do not talk on the phone or engage in extended conversation with anyone while observing class.

These guidelines are meant to help you integrate comfortably into the dojo community. They will come naturally as you continue to train. Please ask any of the senior students if you have questions about any of these guidelines.