Chief Instructor
Sensei Steve Nickerson - 4th Dan
Staff
Wendell Black
Rick Baker
Senior Students
Wendell Black - 2nd Kyu
Rick Baker - 6th Kyu
Peter Breen - 5th Kyu
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Outline
of Dojo Etiquette
1. REI
(bowing):
There are two
ways of bowing:
i) kneeling (more
formal)
ii) standing (less
formal)
Kneeling Bow is
performed:
a) when first
stepping onto, and
finally leaving
the mats.
b) at the formal
beginning and
ending of the
class.
c) to your
partner, when
beginning and
ending practice of
a technique.
d) to the Sensei,
after
demonstration of a
technique.
Standing Bow is
performed:
a) when entering
and leaving the
Dojo.
b) when
temporarily
leaving the
returning to the
mats.
When in doubt, bow
from the kneeling
position, since it
is the more formal
form.
2. Etiquette
Expressions.
The following are
five Japanese
expressions you
will be expected
to master:
"ARIGATO
GOZAIMASHITA"
- thank you very
much
"ONEGAISHIMASU"
- Please show me
your favour
"SUMIMASEN"
- I'm sorry/excuse
me
"OSHIETE
KUDASAI" -
Please teach me
"HAI" -
Yes
3. General
Etiquette and
Conduct
Please be
punctual: You
should be changed
and on the mat at
least ten minutes
before that start
of the class. Take
this time to do
warm-up exercises
on your own, or
practice quietly
with other
students.
If you happen to
be late, get
changed and do
your warm-ups off
the mat. When you
are ready, sit
quietly on the
edge of the mats,
bow to O-Sensei,
and then remain
sitting until the
Sensei gives you
permission to join
the class.
If you must leave
the mats during
class, first ask
the Sensei for
permission. Always
be alert while on
the mats. Careless
practice can be
dangerous and
cause injury to
yourself or to
other students.
Keep conversation
to a minimum.
During practice
there should be no
discussion of
anything other
than Aikido
techniques. Try to
learn with your
eyes and body, and
help each other
with the
appropriate body
movements rather
than with words.
If it is necessary
to speak, do so in
a low voice.
Do not teach
fellow students
unless
specifically asked
by the Sensei.
Questions may be
asked directly to
the Sensei or to
one of the senior
students.
Hygiene is very
important.
Personal hygiene
is a reflection of
your respect and
attitude toward
Aikido, the
Sensei, your
fellow
practitioners, and
yourself. Keep
your fingernails
and toenails clean
and short, to
minimize the
chance of cutting
yourself or other
practitioners.
Keep your do-gi
clean and wash it
regularly.
Do not wear
jewellery during
practice.
If you become
sick, overtired,
or injured, and
cannot continue
practice, let your
partner and the
Sensei know. If
you just need a
short rest, bow to
your partner and
to the Sensei,
move to the edge
of the mats and
sit quietly
watching the class
until you are
ready to resume
practice.
If you have a
specific medical
problem which may
affect your
practice, notify
the Sensei of this
problem before the
class starts.
Voluntary clean-up
of the Dojo is
encouraged and
demonstrates your
respect for Aikido
training and for
the Dojo.
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