Etiquette in Aikido?

AIKIDO STUDENT ETIQETTE

Towards The Sensei (instructor):  The term Sensei means the, “one who is born before” (not necessarily referring to age, but one who entered the path of Aikido before you).  They should be treated with the upmost respect and have your full commitment. They have devoted their time to help you grow and further your path in Aikido. 

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• Whenever a sensei talking listen completely

• Watch intently

• At all times address your instructor as “Sensei”

• Bow before and after a conversation with your Sensei

•  When called upon by your Sensei answer “Yes” or “Hai”

•  A student is expected to help and protect their Sensei any way possible, such as carrying bags, old tradition required that a student walk behind, and to the left, of their Sensei.  (This was the hardest place for a swordsman to defend.) This is also an excellent way to develop awareness.  

 

In the Dojo: The term Dojo means “place of the Way,” or “place of enlightenment.”  Although it has come to mean a school, in the past it was more a place where mind and body are both being developed by Zen Masters.  This Dojo is YOUR Dojo! Your Dojo reflects you and it is our responsibility to maintain and respect where you and your fellow students train.  

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• Shoes should be removed before entering the Dojo Mat

• Talking should be kept low so as to not disturb an ongoing class

• It is a strict custom to bow when stepping on or off the mat

• Do not drink or eat on the mat

• While training with other maintain a serious, but cordial nature

• Volunteer your time for Dojo cleaning (This is considered Shugyo, a discipline of duty to honor your training)

 

Toward Others: In Aikido training it is necessary for both Uke, one who is thrown, and Nage, one who throws, to have mutual understanding and respect.  In order to get the most of your training as Uke you should offer enough resistance to challenge Nage, but not impede their training. 

 

As Nage it is imperative to control technique during training as to prevent permanent injury.  Training should not be a power struggle.  Both Uke and Nage must trust each other and work in harmony.

 

• Proper student / teacher relationship should be maintained 

• Treat others with the respect that you yourself would like

• Volunteer to assist others during training 

• Taking ukemi for others is consider an honor

• Assist new students and familiarize them with the dojo

•  Always practice within others capabilities and limitations 

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During Training: Training needs to be organized in order to make the most of our time on the mat.  If there is any part of training etiquette you do not understand look to your Sensei or Kohai, senior students, they will lead by example.  Such as, at the beginning of a class whoever assisted during warm up or a senior student will call out “Shomen ni rei” asking everyone to bow to the front.  Then they will call out “Sensei ni rei” asking everyone to bow to the teacher. 

 

A proper response from all Aikido students is “Onegaishimasu” (Please teach us, in English).  At the end of class the same person will again ask students to bow to the front and to the teacher, then all Aikido students are to respond “Arigato gozaimashita” (Thank you very much, in English).  After which each student should bow to those whom he/she worked with that day.  Again, it may seem complicated at first, but such shows of respect are also part of your Aikido training.

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• Bowing is a form a respect, please bow when:

• Entering or leaving the mat

• When Sensei calls upon you to assist, and when you are done

• When Sensei has finished instructing the class

• To your partners when beginning or ending practice

• When Sensei advises you individually on a technique

• When Sensei is instructing sit quietly and give your full attention

• When Sensei claps it is to call attention to all those training, please sit seiza in a straight line so that Sensei may instruct you

• Anytime you enter a class already in session, please sit quietly off to the side until Sensei calls you onto the mat.  Also if you need to leave before class has ended, notify Sensei then bow to thank your partners

• Hygiene is important for yourself and for others, keep your keikogi / dogi clean your finger and toenails trimmed and remove all jewelry

• Practicing techniques you have not been taught or teaching to non practitioners is frowned upon