Dojo Etiquette

The dojo etiquette such as old Budo (martial art) traditions is taken, is based on respect for the universal principle that everything and everyone to a final and universal unity is unbreakable. To this unit and everything belongs to, is therefore no violence be done. In Budo this position expressed in a code of politeness and respect for others. And even the environment, the room (dojo), in which one of 'the way' (DO) goes, belongs under the Code with respect to step on.

The dojo etiquette can be seen as a support of the expression of the true Budo-thought: "Budo is the life of loving protection, and give life to everything that is" (O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido). This idea is in fact both the starting point as the object of every other Budo (martial) art.

The dojo etiquette that spontaneously observed, does the practitioner naturally a sincere and positive attitude emerged: an inner attitude of acceptance of the principle of unity. This is a first and important basis of harmony and peaceful co-efficacy, which in the aikido practice fertile ground provides for further development of these virtues on the way (do) of harmony (ai) with the universal unit (ki).

 

Aikido training spirit

1. It is a good habit for lesson or training on time present.
2. Everyone helps to the dojo before the training in order to make it once again to clean up.
3. In the dojo is possible silence observed. So especially loud cry or scream. But exercise is always fun. A positive attitude (enthusiasm, joy) is appreciated. This is the atmosphere in the dojo can only benefit.
4. The dojo is in the first place for practical exercise. Mutual discussions on the "tatami (mat =) are not conducive to the training. It is sometimes given the opportunity to ask questions. But do you necessarily something you have questions or need further explanation, please specify that you want to say something.
5. Note that the weekly training times relatively short. So use every minute to learn through practical exercise. Therefore waste no time on irrelevant activities. After performing an aikido throw or headlock (control technique) immediately get up or switch and continue with the exercise. Repeat the exercises as possible in the time there during class or training is given.
6. Practice only the subject matter. So do not just do something else on their own or other techniques. The instructions or practices of the teacher or lesverantwoordelijke be accepted without argument.
7. The teacher (mainly the Japanese teacher) with "sensei" (teacher =) addressed.
8. During the class or training is the mat continuously and without permission from the teacher left.
9. The general rules for the dojo are automatically taken into account.

Courtesy and the Japanese greeting (How and when)

1. If you are the mat rises, first insert your slippers on the edge of the mat and then create, while standing, a slight bow from the waist (the traditional Japanese greeting). Do this even if you after class or training session goes off the mat.
2. It is customary during the lesson or the teacher training after a general or personal explanation to salute by bowing (either sitting or standing)
3. If, after the general instruction of the teacher, someone want to practice, make this abundantly clear in a nod to the person. This invitation is also using a bow, by anyone without contradiction or refusal to be accepted.
4. After completion or interruption of exercise do you greet each other again in the same way, possibly with a "thank you" or "thank you" there is added.
5. If you throw during practice or another or others unexpectedly touching, is apologizing to his place.
6. Practice with as many different partners, but always keep taking account of someone's learning pace. One is faster, others slower. Have there understand.
7. During exercise it is recommended that the partner as much as possible by encouraging them to work easily and smoothly or move so that his or her techniques can improve. So try to give as much as possible and do not work against by blocking or tense. Relaxation and concentration training is considered a matter of course.
8. At the beginning and at the end of the lesson or during training and instructions or explanations of techniques by the teacher, everyone is on the edge of the mat in 'seiza (sitting on knees), or with legs crossed in' lotus' . Do this even if you're tired and get some rest. Take no hanging or lying position.
9. If you need to one side or want to wait, for example, during the preparatory valoefeningen or any explanation, it is carelessly against the wall. Remain standing or sit in 'seiza' or 'lotus'

Hygiene

1. The aikido gi (training clothes) is in acceptable sanitary condition should be worn. Ben of course also always clean and fresh.
2. The flip-flops are a part of the exercise clothing, and should be excluded from the mat to be worn.
3. Keep nails of hands and feet cut short to avoid injury.
4. Wear the same reasons of safety no rings or other metal objects during lessons or training.
5. Food is not allowed in the dojo, drinking is allowed, but do you do next to the mat. Thus we keep the mat clean with any spillage. If you spill, more than this than equal.
6. The dojo and locker rooms clean and to keep order.
7. The sanitation in the dojo (shower and toilet) after use leave.