 The
Dojo
Aikido training takes place in a hall known as a dojo
(“the place of the Way”). The dojo is considered a sacred place of
learning and self-purification. The term dojo
describes more than just the physical training space, it also includes the community
of Aikido practitioners. The activity of cooperation and non-resistance practiced on
the mat is reflected in the group as a whole and mutual support is an important element in
the dojo. All members are encouraged to be mindful and assist in keeping the dojo
clean, orderly and free of distractions. Please conduct yourself no differently in a
dojo than you would in a church or temple.
Guidelines for Bowing
Rei, or bowing is performed as a traditional
greeting and as a means of demonstrating respect. Bowing in the dojo does not, in this case, have a religious
significance.
There are two fundamental ways of
bowing: from a kneeling position and from a standing position. The kneeling bow is
considered more formal.
Zarei (kneeling
bow). When should a kneeling bow be performed?
- when first stepping onto the mat area & when leaving the mat area. |
- at the formal ceremony that begins and ends the class. |
- to partners, when beginning and ending practice of a technique. |
- to the Sensei, after he/she has demonstrated a technique. |
- when in doubt as to the type of bow (since it is the more formal form). |
- when the Sensei (instructor) performs a kneeling bow toward
you. |
Ritsurei (standing
bow) When should standing bow be performed?
- when entering and leaving the dojo. |
- when temporarily leaving and
returning to the mats. |
General
Etiquette and Conduct in the Dojo
Arrive at the dojo early (before class starts). It is
important to be ready and on the mats a few minutes before the opening of the class. Take
this time to perform warm-up exercises on your own, or sit in quiet meditation. Clear your
mind of the day’s problems prior to the opening of the class. A gong will be sounded
and one of the sempai (senior students) will sit down to form the line-up. Quickly sit
down and form a straight line in order of rank (higher ranks will be seated to your
right).
Be punctual. The class is opened and closed
with a formal ceremony. It is important to arrive at the dojo in time for the start of the
class. If you are unavoidably late, change into your do-gi
(training uniform) as quickly (and quietly) as possible. If the warm-up exercises are
still underway, quickly move to the edge of the mat and stand (or sit in seiza)
attentively at the edge of the mat until the Sensei
signals permission for you to join the class (remain attentive and alert!). If the warm-up
exercises have been completed and the class has started, perform a short warm-up on your
own at the edge of the mat. When you are ready to join the class, move to the edge of the
and wait attentively until Sensei signals
permission for you to join the class. When signaled to join the class, perform a formal
seated bow at the edge of the mat area and join the class promptly. Move quickly and
quietly and minimize any distraction or disturbance of the class.
Do
not leave the mat during class, except
in the case of injury or illness.
If it
is ABSOLUTELY necessary to leave the mat while a class is in session, ALWAYS inform the Sensei and obtain permission to leave PRIOR to
stepping off the mat.
If you have a question for the
Sensei during class, wait for the Sensei to
come to your part of the dojo (never call the Sensei
over), bow respectfully (a standing bow is adequate), and wait for his/her acknowledgment.
Respectfully ask for instruction. If at all
possible, hold your question until after the class has finished.
Do not teach or correct fellow
students,
unless specifically requested to do so by the Sensei. If you know the movement
being studied and are working with someone who does not, you may assist them by guiding
them with the appropriate body movements (use a minimum of verbal
instruction; under no circumstances offer corrections to practitioners who are senior to
you in rank).
Keep conversation on
the mat to an absolute minimum. Aikido can be learned only through physical
experience— the instruction must be absorbed by learning with your eyes and body,
rather than with words. If it is absolutely necessary to speak to someone while in the
dojo, please keep your conversation brief and to the point. When speaking, do so quietly
and in a low voice.
When the end of a technique is
signaled, stop immediately, bow to your partner and QUICKLY move to form a line-up
with fellow students.
The correct way to sit on the mat
is in seiza
(formal sitting position). If you have a knee injury, or problems with your legs, you may
sit cross-legged. When on the mats, do not sit with the legs outstretched toward the
Shomen (front of the dojo) or the Sensei. Keep an upright and
attentive posture and do not lean against walls or posts. When in the dojo, avoid bowing
with your back toward the Shomen or the Sensei, since this is considered
impolite/improper.
It
is essential to remain alert at all times while in the dojo!
When receiving personal instruction
during class. Sit in seiza and watch
attentively. Bow formally to the Sensei
when he/she has finished the instruction. When the Sensei
is providing personal instruction to another student, you may stop your practice to
quietly and attentively observe the instruction.
Dojo cleaning.
The dojo is cleaned before the first class and after the last class each day. All
members are expected to participate in the cleaning of the dojo and mat area. In
addition to cleaning the training (mat) area, the kamiza and dojo floor should also be
cleaned at the end of practice each day.
Foot protection. When
not on the mat, wear foot protection at all times. Place your footwear neatly
at the edge of the mat when entering the hardwood training floor or tatami area. Zori (sandals or thongs) are the preferred form of
footwear around the dojo.
Personal hygiene and cleanliness. Aikido training involves close
body contact. It is essential to keep your body clean and fingernails & toenails
clean and short. If you perspire heavily, bring a small towel with you and carry it in the
front of your do-gi. Please keep your do-gi clean and wash it regularly.
If you become sick, over-tired,
or sustain an injury during class and become unable to continue
practice, stop practicing, bow to your partner and briefly inform him/her of the
situation. If you absolutely need to leave the mat, notify the Sensei BEFORE
doing so. If you just need a short rest, bow to your partner, move to the edge of
the mat area (remain alert!) while sitting quietly watching until you are ready to
resume practice.
Report all injuries (even minor
ones) to the Sensei as soon as possible!
If you have any medical
condition, training limitations or pre-existing injury or new injury which may affect your practice, inform the Sensei of this BEFORE the class starts. |
