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Etiquette - more detail

INTRODUCTION
The true spirit of Aikido can only be arrived at through continued practice and the careful and persistent application of what you are being taught. The manner in which we do this is by following the unwritten code of respect. Respect for others, your teachers, your Dojo and for yourself.

Traditional Japanese Aikido brings its own customary behaviour such as bowing. You can liken some of these customs to, say, handshaking or good table manners. We have good reason for them and are proud of it. If you do not show respect for where you practise or who you practise with Aikido becomes pointless.

The art has its origins in Japan and this is where the cultural and social traditions come from. Maintenance of these traditions gives value and respect to the activity and its participants and assists in developing personal standards of behaviour and promotes self-discipline. A dojo can be judged by the conduct of its students.

The following guidelines set out the standard of etiquette expected of the club's members. Beginners are not expected to absorb all of these things at once but simply be ready to adapt. Indeed, whilst others set the example and help newcomers they should do so in a polite and friendly way.

BOWING
This is a Japanese custom that acknowledges your partner. It means both of you are showing mutual respect for each other as if saying 'I am about to practise with you and do not intend to harm you'. So you bow to your partner before you start to practise and also when you finish. It is not necessary to keep bowing every time you change between attack and defence with the same partner.

Bowing can also express honour. The deeper a bow the more respect. However, do not take your eyes off your partner when you bow.

THE DOJO
The Dojo is the meeting place to practise Aikido. Safety in the Dojo is a priority and it is not a place for messing about. When you enter or leave the Dojo it is customary to make a standing bow. There is a picture of the Founder of Aikido, O'Sensei, at the head of the mat (Kamiza) which is bowed to during the line up. This is not in any way religious but a way of saying 'We will practise Aikido in the spirit of your teaching', simply an acknowledgement. Students sit at the other end of the training hall (Shimoza).

THE INSTRUCTOR
Your instructor is addressed as Sensei. Sensei's word is final and has to be respected. Aikido is a martial art and a way of practising controlled forms of potentially dangerous techniques. Students must give strict adherence to the directions of the supervising instructor whose responsibility is to ensure a safe and meaningful practice.

If you arrive late you must wait quietly at the edge of the mat until Sensei beckons you on to join the class. If you want to leave the mat then you seek permission from Sensei first. This allows Sensei to keep a command of the class and maintains your own safety.

ETIQUETTE ON THE MAT
1. As you approach the mat (tatami) in slippers (zori) TURN HEEL and slip out of them and onto the mat. Turn and bow to O'SENSEI whilst standing.

2. Students who are warming up or practising before Sensei arrives should take up position at the front of the class. It is the responsibility of the highest kyu grade (Sempai) to order the class to line up (seiza). Sempai should not keep
Sensei waiting at the edge of the mat.

3. At the start of the lesson the line up Sempai establishes is according to grade order. The higher grades are positioned to the right of the line, which works its way down to the lower grades at the left end of the line.

If it is necessary to make two lines then the second line begins behind Sempai at the far right continuing with grades from the end of the first line. Shown below is a typical line up:

4. When Sensei turns to O'SENSEI to bow everybody bows with him. Sensei bows to the Dan grades, then turns to face the students who bow immediately. Sensei then returns the bow. Do not wait for any signal to take a bow. Simply bow together when Sensei turns around.

Sensei is the highest Dan grade on the mat and he/she may ask a member of the Dan grade Coaching team to teach.

When Sensei wants you to stop practising he will clap or say Yame (stop), at which point the class should take up a kneeling position at the edge of the mat. This should be done quickly and silently, not casually. Also, whilst Sensei is talking or demonstrating silence is the rule of good etiquette, unless you have a point to raise or a question to ask. When in the kneeling posture it is in your own interest not to slump. If you are invited sit casually then do so with your legs tucked in, not stretched out.

PUNCTUALITY
Although it is not always possible please try your best to be on time at the Dojo so that practice can start at the correct times. This will also help to keep a disciplined attitude. You should arrive in time both to lay mats (if necessary) and welcome newcomers.

FINALLY
If mats have to be cleared away and secured after a class please try not to drag them or throw them around as they are expensive to repair. Also the mats should be cleared straight away by everybody and not unfairly left for others to do. Each participant is accorded equal respect, however there will always be practitioners with more or less
experience of Aikido in relation to each other. It is part of the formal tradition of Aikido that this superior experience is respected.

 

line-up

 

VISITING OTHER CLUBS
There are variations in etiquette between organisations; you should follow their local custom including respect for what they are teaching. You do it their way, as shown, not doing the way you may have done in the past.

Lawrence Robinson, 3rd Dan
Trafford Aikido Club


Go to the others pages that appeared in our Beginner's booklet originally