Aikido Club Etiquette
Please observe the following guidelines when training at our Aikido Club:
· A standing bow is done when entering and leaving the Aikido Club.
· Take off your shoes when entering our Aikido Club.
· No shoes on the mat.
· The formal bow at the beginning and the end of class consists of two or three seated bows towards the shomen (Founder’s picture and kamiza), four claps, one more bow, and then a mutual bow between teacher and students. The form and complexity of this ceremony marking the beginning and end of class varies somewhat from dojo to dojo, so in the case of a visiting instructor his or her example will be followed.
· Be on time for class. Students will be lined up and seated in seiza 3-5 minutes before the official start of class. If unavoidably late a student will perform the formal bow individually before beginning to practice. If it is necessary to leave class early, a student will inform the instructor and do an individual formal bow at the close of his or her own practice.
· Onegaishimasu ("please", or "I ask a favor") and Arigato gozaimashita ("thank you") are the expressions used at the beginning and the end of class, respectively, and also between partners at the beginning and the end of each individual practice.
· Traditionally the instructor is addressed as Sensei; however, the extent to which this custom is followed depends greatly on the individual instructor.
· The proper way to sit during class is in seiza -- formal Japanese sitting posture. A cross-legged sitting position is acceptable when seiza is impossible. When a student has a specific problem with legs, knees or feet that directly interferes with his/her ability to sit in seiza, the student will inform the instructor of the problem. An attentive posture will be maintained. Slouching, hunching, or leaning is not conducive to being balanced and centered. Students will not sit with legs outstretched.
· Students will not sit with their backs towards the shomen (Founder’s picture and kamiza); traditionally this is the place for the instructor to sit while observing class. If it is necessary to pass by when people are lined up in seiza facing the shomen, walk in back of them rather than in front.
· After the instructor demonstrates a technique, students bow, choose partners quickly (typically a fellow student seated next to you), and begin to practice. When the end of a practice session is signaled (often with a loud, sharp clap), students will stop practice immediately, bow to their partners, and quickly line up in seiza for further instruction. While training, be conscious of your actions and do not make loud, sharp claps unless specifically directed by the instructor to do so.
· For reasons of safety, respect, and courtesy, it is essential that the instructor's instructions be followed exactly on demand. Many Aikido techniques can be dangerous if not practiced properly. Emphasis is placed on learning as much as possible through intent observation and concentrated practice, and questions will be saved for after class.
· Gis (uniforms) will be kept clean and free of offensive odors, and fingernails and toenails will be kept short and trimmed. No jewelry will be worn during practice.
· Do not use alcohol or illicit drugs before or after class. When taking medications prescribed by a physician, please consult your physician before practicing Aikido. Please be sure to exercise your better judgement before choosing to practice.
· The mat will be swept before each class, and it is the student’s responsibility to keep our Aikido Club clean. It is a place to experience calming the spirit and returning to the Divine (chinkon-kishin); cleansing the body and spirit by removing all malice, selfishness, and desire (misogi); and being ever-grateful for the gifts received from the universe, Mother Nature, your family, and your fellow human beings (kansha).
Observation of these forms of etiquette will help to create a pleasant and joyful atmosphere in the Aikido Club. But more important than the superficial observation of any form is the sincere and open-hearted attitude toward training which gives meaning to the forms, formalities and techniques.
