Dojo Etiquette & Conduct

Please Read This Carefully

1. When entering or leaving the dojo, please make a standing bow inward.

2. When stepping on or off the mat, please make a sitting bow in the direction of shomen.

3. When a technique has been demonstrated, students will bow together with the teacher and then bow to their next partner, saying "onegai shimasu".

4. When the next technique is called, students should say, "domo arigato gozaimashita" to their partner and sit seiza as quickly as possible.

5. At the end of keiko, students should seek out each person they trained with and say "domo arigato gozaimashita" to each one.

6. The tatami should be wiped carefully before and after each keiko. The cloths for cleaning the tatami should be laundered regularly. The training space should be kept neat and clean.

7. Students are encouraged to seek out and train with their Senpai. Each student, regardless of rank, should be looking to get the most from any training session. Therefore, it is not the responsibility of Senpai to approach kohai for training, but rather kohai to seek out Senpai. Please do not make the mistake of feeling that you are imposing upon Senpai because you're below him in rank and experience. In other words, don't be shy! Say "onegai shimasu" to your favorite Senpai before someone else gets to them and you miss your chance!"

8. It is encouraged that students go to their Senpai or sensei after class, bow, and say "onegai shimasu." to take more ukemi. This is not required, but in time will help both uke and nage tremendously in their progress and development.

9. Speaking during keiko should be kept to an absolute minimum. There is no need for social conversation, as it is distracting to others in the dojo and therefore not safe for practice.

10. Speaking after keiko should be held down out of courtesy for those who may want to participate in atogeiko. It is asked that students show courtesy to those who wish to train more after class, by holding down the volume of any conversations which may take place.

11. When you are training with someone and the teacher comes to you and throws you and your partner, please sit seiza while you are watching your partner get thrown. When the teacher is finished with you and your partner, please make a sitting bow and say, "domo arigato gozaimashita."

12. For safety reasons, please take off all jewelry and accessories before training and have fingernails and toenails trimmed short.

^{[Home] [Aikido] [A.K.I.] [Takeda Shihan] [A.K.I. Pennsylvania Info Etc]}

^{[Kirisawa Sensei] [Lia Sensei] [Photo Gallery] [E-mail]}

(Photos by Steve unless noted)