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Dojo Customs

The purpose of this section is to convey the outward form of Aikido customs. It is not given in the greatest depth or detail. It doesn't say, for example, "bow from the waist thirty degrees ...". It does say "bow to the Shomen". Aikido is best done with a sincere heart, and is best understood through doing. Aikido practice should never be done just out of habit or thoughtlessly. As for many of the little particular questions that might come up along the way --- don't wait! Think it out for yourself, ask another student, or ask Sensei!

Link to: Prairie Aikikai Home Page, Student Guide Table of Contents

Entering or Leaving the Dojo

When entering or leaving the Dojo, face the Shomen and bow. The Shomen is the place where the head instructor sits and where there may be various examples of calligraphy, flags, photos, etc. As a member of the Dojo, you are its representative to the world. Coming and going you are most conspicuous as a member. Try to look neat and clean. Your deportment reflects on all other members and especially on the head instructor and the art of Aikido.

Link to: Prairie Aikikai Home Page, Student Guide Table of Contents

Getting On and Off the Mat

Whenever you wish to get on or off the mat step on the edge of the mat, face the Shomen, and bow. Remember, no shoes are permitted on the mat. Leave your shoes at the edge of the mat. Always leave them neat and orderly. Your thoughtful consideration of the smallest detail is part of your training.

Sometimes individuals will wear socks on their feet during practice. The most common reasons for this are extremely cold feet or the need to hold a bandage in place over a minor foot injury. While not recommended (it can be quite slippery on the mat with socks on your feet) it is permitted as long as your are extremely careful at all times.

Link to: Prairie Aikikai Home Page, Student Guide Table of Contents

Starting Class

Before class starts, be sure that the Dojo is neat and clean. Don't wait to be told what to do! Be a good example to others. Have a clean Gi (practice uniform). Be sure that your finger and toe nails are clipped short and neatly filed (too long or jagged nails can accidentally cut your practice partner). Once class starts, you should stay until the end. If you must leave early, be sure to tell Sensei before class starts.

Line up on the mat, facing the Shomen, and be ready to start before the appointed time. Sit Seiza, back straight, eyes front, extending Ki. This is a good time to practice Ki breathing and centering. If there is some reason you are not able to sit Seiza, sit Anza (cross legged). If you have an injury or illness be sure to discuss it with Sensei and let Sensei decide how you sit or whether you should practice or not. Be sure to discuss such problems before class (not after it starts).

When the head instructor enters, keep your eye on him. Even the way Sensei walks is a lesson! Without the necessity of the various commands used in other martial arts, try to be one with Sensei. Sensei will seat himself between you and the Shomen, facing you. When all are ready to begin he will turn and bow to the Shomen. If you are one with him, you will be able to bow simultaneously to the Shomen when he does. Sensei will turn and face the class, and will then bow to the class. Bow the instant he does. Following Sensei's movements and keeping in time with him will be easy if you are practicing harmony and extending Ki. As you bow, say Onegaisimasu (it means that you are ready and willing to learn and practice). Sit up straight and wait for Sensei to start class.

Link to: Prairie Aikikai Home Page, Student Guide Table of Contents

Practicing with Individuals or Groups

Bow when you start to practice with another person (either standing or sitting, depending on the art that you are about to practice). Bow when you finish. Sometimes we practice in a line or in a group. To start practice, the first person in the line and the head of the line bow to one another. Each person in the line will then practice the art with the head of the line (no additional bowing is necessary before each of these practices).

When the line has gone all the way around once then the head of the line bows to the person who replaces him (the first person they practiced with), who then replaces them as the head of the line. Practice continues in this fashion until each person has had an opportunity to be at the head of the line.

Link to: Prairie Aikikai Home Page, Student Guide Table of Contents

Being Uke for Sensei

Each student will eventually be asked to be Uke (practice attacker) for Sensei. When Sensei indicates you are to be his Uke, bow at once and move quickly to the position he indicates. Listen carefully to his explanations. Try to anticipate his requirements and be ready to act accordingly. Whether fast or slow, always attack and honestly and truly. If Sensei wants you to be Nage (you are to do the Aikido art), do your very best!

When Sensei returns to his explanation, move off to one side of the mat and sit quietly in Seiza. Be ready. Keep your mind centered on what Sensei is doing and saying. Try to anticipate Sensei's needs. When he indicates he is ready to demonstrate with you again, bow and move quickly to the place he indicates.

There shouldn't be any time when you must walk around the mat when Sensei is teaching. However, if you absolutely must, walk quietly behind the other students. Try to stay away from the Shomen area and do not go behind Sensei. Use the time before class, during partner practices, and after class to visit the water fountain and bathroom and to adjust your clothing.

Link to: Prairie Aikikai Home Page, Student Guide Table of Contents

Ending Class

At the end of class, line up facing the Shomen as you did at the beginning of class. Many Dojo's use this time right before the class ends for announcements, the telling of Ki stories, and news reports. After these (if any) straighten your clothing and clear your mind, savoring the last few moments of the practice session before your return to the outside world.

Keep your eyes on Sensei because he will turn and then bow to the Shomen. Extend Ki. Be one with him, and bow at the same time that he does. Sensei will then turn and bow to the class. As you bow, say Arigato Gozaimashita (thank you very much). Sensei will then ask you to thank the people that you have practiced with that day. Seek out the people you practiced with and thank them by bowing and saying "thank you" or "Arigato Gozaimashita". (NOTE: In some Dojo's it is customary to wait for Sensei to rise and walk from the mat before thanking your practice partners.)

Link to: Prairie Aikikai Home Page, Student Guide Table of Contents

Thanking Sensei

Get up and go to Sensei. Use Shiko (knee walking), unless Sensei is very far away or has walked off the mat. If you don't know how to do Shiko, it's O.K. to walk normally. Sit in a semicircle facing Sensei and, when it is your turn, bow and thank him. Sensei will, of course, bow and thank you for coming to practice Aikido that day.

Link to: Prairie Aikikai Home Page, Student Guide Table of Contents

Uniforms

Your uniform reflects your attitude towards your training. It also reflects on your Sensei and upon Aikido. Keep your uniform neat and clean. Mend it whenever it becomes ripped or torn. Replace it when it becomes shabby. Fold it neatly when coming and going from class.

New students may not have a Gi during their first few weeks (or months) of practice. This is normal, as no one can be expected to pay for a new Gi until they have decided whether to "stick with" Aikido. By the end of their first semester, however, continuing students should be prepared to invest in (and wear) a regular practice uniform.

Some students will practice Aikido while wearing a Hakama (wide skirted pants worn over the Gi). The Hakama is also a part of the traditional Aikido practice uniform. In some Dojos only Yudansha (black belt students) may wear a Hakama, while in others all students must wear one. At the Prairie Aikikai all students who would like to wear a Hakama may do so. Because of the extra cost involved, however, students will not be expected to purchase and wear a Hakama until they have achieved the rank of Nikyu (brown belt) or higher.

The exact method of wearing (tying) and folding the Hakama is a matter of personal preference. Students should observe what others do, then seek their own way comfortable for themselves. It is customary at some Dojos for the junior students to offer to fold the Hakama of Sensei and/or the senior students. Learning to properly fold a Hakama is necessary not only for this honor, but also for the day when you wear a Hakama of your own. A chart is included at the end of this book detailing one method commonly used for folding the Hakama.

Your should remove all watches, rings, ear rings, and other jewelry during Aikido practice. These have no place in a physical practice activity, and could cause injury to both you and your practice partner. NEITHER YOUR INSTRUCTOR, JEFFREY OR LESLIE HECHT, NOR ANYONE ELSE CAN GUARANTEE THE SAFETY OF ANY OF YOUR VALUABLE ITEMS. It is best not to bring anything of value with you to class. If you must, place it well inside the Dojo and be sure to check on it often.

Link to: Prairie Aikikai Home Page, Student Guide Table of Contents

Miscellaneous

It has been said that martial arts begin and end with courtesy. Such courtesy is not uniform throughout the martial arts, much less within Aikido. Be sure that whenever you go to another Dojo, or join another organization, you inquire about the rules of etiquette as soon as practical. Listed below are a few notes of things to inquire about and other miscellaneous practices.

  1. In many Dojos the Sensei will call students attention by clapping his hands. Typically a single clap by the Sensei is a signal for all students to stop what they are doing, sit down (Seiza or Anza) where they are, and pay attention to Sensei. This is usually done in the middle of practicing an art when Sensei wants to give an additional explanation or demonstration. Two claps mean that all students should stop practicing, bow and thank their partners, and line up in front of the Shomen. This is usually done when Sensei wants to finish one art and move on to another. Clapping may also be a part of the ritual at the beginning and ending of each class.

  2. Sometimes students in a Dojo will line up in rank order. The highest to Sensei's left to the lowest on Sensei's right. When you first come to a new Dojo, take the lower seat and wait to be invited to a higher seat. The same if you are a guest. If you are an observer watch and see how the chief instructor deports himself.

  3. At some Dojos it is part of their practice to recognize other black belt instructors as they enter the Dojo. You might be asked to stop class, face the new instructor, and execute a standing bow. This is especially true when more than one martial art share the same building and hold classes at the same time. Find out as soon as possible and avoid being embarrassed.

  4. In some Dojos there may be other Aikido classes or even other martial arts being practiced. It is rude and discourteous to interrupt those classes by walking around, talking loudly, etc.. Therefore, do not walk behind other classes at any time. Do not talk loudly. Do not interrupt the other class. At some Dojos the rule is to stop at the edge of the class area, stand at attention, and wait for the instructor to signal you to pass by. When he does, bow and go quickly and quietly. Keep your trips to a minimum. Be thoughtful and courteous.

  5. In this day and age, it is unforgivable that a martial arts student or instructor would make sexual advances, comment about others in a lewd way, or otherwise harass another person. In Aikido, this breaks the spirit of harmony and oneness. It is also against University policy, and we will not tolerate it.

  6. There is no smoking, drinking of alcoholic beverages, or taking of non-prescription medications during Aikido practice, nor should students come to practice under the influence of alcohol or any non-prescription medication. Students under a physicians care, especially those taking medication, who have (or might have) infectious conditions, or with restrictions that might influence their ability to participate in the physical activity of Aikido, should consult with the Instructor before the beginning of each class.