Dojo Etiquette

• Please perform a standing bow when entering or leaving the dojo.

• The formal bow at the beginning and the end of practice consists of two seated bows towards the front of the dojo, two claps, one more bow, and then a mutual bow between the teacher and students.

  The ceremony at the beginning and end of class varies somewhat from place to place, so if there is a visiting instructor, pay close attention and do what they do.

• Try to be on time for class, but if you can't help being late, you should perform the formal bow (with claps) before joining the class.

  If it is necessary to leave class early, you should inform the instructor and do an individual formal bow as the close of your own practice.

• Onegaishimasu ('please' or 'I ask a favor') and Arigato gozaimashita or Sensei, domo arigato gozamashita ('thank you' or 'Sensei, thank you very much') are said at the beginning and the end of class respectively, and also between partners at the beginning and end of each individual practice.

• Traditionally the instructor is called Sensei in the dojo.

• The proper way to sit during class is in seiza -- formal Japanese sitting posture. If you can't sit in seiza, you may sit cross-legged. If a student has a problem with the knees or feet that interferes with the ability to sit in seiza, make sure the instructor is informed of the problem.

  An attentive posture should always be maintained -- sit up straight! Slouching, slumping, or leaning does not further the practice of balance and centering! You should never sit with the legs outstretched.

• Never sit with your back towards the front of the dojo; traditionally this is the place for the instructor or master to sit while watching class.

• If you have to walk past when people are lined up in seiza facing the front of the dojo, walk in back of them rather than in front.

• After the instructor demonstrates a technique, you should bow to the instructor and say Onegaishimasu.

  At Aikido Silicon Valley, the most senior student trains with the newest student, and so on down the line (think of the arms of a V closing in on itself. We train with that person throughout that particular training session).

• Bow to the person you will be training with, and begin to practice. When the end of a particular practice is signaled (often with two claps), you should stop practicing immediately and line up quickly, sitting in seiza.

• Always follow the teacher's instructions exactly, for respect, safety, and courtesy. Many Aikido techniques can be dangerous if not practiced properly. Emphasis should be placed on learning as much as possible by watching closely and practicing carefully.

• When the instructor claps, stop training immediately and listen for instruction.

• Never play-fight or wrestle in the dojo.

• Do not chew gum in class.

• Do not wear jewelry of any kind while training. Jewelry may cut a training partner or get caught in clothing or hair while training.

• Do not wear make-up while training. Make-up can stain your training clothing and the training clothing of your partners, as well as the mat.

• Keep fingernails and toenails cut short for training. Long or sharp nails may injure your training partners.

• If you need to go to the bathroom during class, please ask the instructor for permission to leave the class.

• The mat should be swept by the students before each class. It is the students' traditional responsibility to keep the dojo clean. Dojo literally means 'place of the way'. It should be a place for misogi (purification) and for our sincere personal growth.