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Dojo
Etiquette and Safety Rules
Safety Rules
- Wearing of any
jewelry (rings. necklaces, watches, hair clips, body piercing
ornaments, etc.) is a danger to you and others and is not permitted
during practice.
- Fingernails and
toenails must be kept trimmed short at all times.
- Horseplay, bravado,
or testing of strength is not permitted or tolerated.
- When the Sensei (instructor)
claps twice, you must stop practicing immediately and listen
for directions.
- Students must stretch
and warm up individually for at least five minutes prior to
class (please arrive early).
- Students who arrive
late should stretch and warm up off the mat and wait until
they are invited to join the class by the Sensei.
- When rolling or
falling please get up immediately. Lying down on the mat is
not permitted.
- Students must sit
correctly during classes (either in seiza or with crossed
legs). Sitting with legs outstretched or leaning against a
wall is considered lazy and disrespectful.
- There is to be no
open or freestyle practice without the supervision of the Sensei or
an experienced Sempai (senior student).
- It is everyone's
responsibility to practice zenshin (continuous awareness) at
all times to prevent accidents and injury.
- If you should sustain
an injury, stop practicing and report it to the Sensei immediately.
These rules are for
everyone's safety and must be followed at all times!
the following is copied from bujindesign.com:
Dojo Etiquitte
In aikido, as well as all other forms of martial arts, there are
certain forms of etiquette that are important to follow. The purpose
of these "rituals" is to show respect, not only for your instructors
and fellow students, but also to show your commitment to the path
that you have decided to follow, the path of aikido. Although some
of these Japanese forms may be unfamiliar at first they will, over
time, become comfortable expressions of courtesy and help each student
to reach a higher level of understanding.
It is important to realize that there are likely to be slight
variations on these forms in each dojo, but the following is an
overview of the most common forms of etiquette that should be observed.
If you are new to your dojo, or travelling to another part of the
country or world, you will be fine as long as you pay close attention
and observe what the other people around you are doing.
- The most important form of Japanese etiquette is the bow. This
is the most basic form of respect and gratitude, whether it is
directed towards an individual or an object. There are a number
of times in practice when you should bow in aikido and the first
is upon entering (and leaving) the dojo. At this time make a standing
bow towards the picture of O'Sensei, which is located at the front
of the practice mat. This shows your respect to the founder of
aikido.
- Before moving into the dojo take off your shoes at the door
and place them on the shoe rack if one is provided, if not, place
them to the side of the door so that they are out of the way of
those entering behind you.
- Out of respect to your fellow students make sure that your training
clothes are freshly laundered for each session. If you are attending
a seminar remember to bring along several changes of dogi. Also,
remove all jewelry and make sure that your fingernails and toenails
are kept short and well manicured.
- When stepping on and off the mat, always make a bow from seiza
toward the picture of O'Sensei; again, this is a show of respect
and confirms your commitment to your studies. In some dojo a standing
bow is made.
- Always try to arrive early so that you can be ready and waiting
on the mat, about 5 minutes before the scheduled beginning of
practice. This will allow you to sit and meditate and clear your
mind of the distractions of the outside world and prepare for
your training. It is important to be completely focused on your
studies, as this is the only way to fully absorb all that you
are being taught.
- Once the class is ready to start you should be sitting with
your fellow students in seiza in a straight line. Follow the custom
of your dojo or host dojo with regard to possible ranked seating.
It is important never to sit with your back to the shomen, or
pass between the shomen and instructor.
- The bowing-in ceremony will then take place, usually consisting
of a bow, two handclaps, a second bow, and a mutual bow between
the instructor and the students. This ceremony can vary from dojo
to dojo so always follow the example of the instructor and other
students.
- The correct way to be seated on the mat is in seiza. A cross-legged
tailor's position is acceptable if seiza is impossible due to
injury.
- If for some unavoidable reason you are late, do not immediately
join the practice session. Instead sit in seiza on the edge of
the mat until acknowledged by the instructor, and then perform
a seated bow toward the shomen. Wait until an appropriate time
to find a partner and then join in the training. Once you have
entered onto the mat, it is important to clear your mind of the
outside world. Without this it can be difficult to concentrate
on your studies.
- When the instructor is demonstrating a technique you should
sit in seiza and listen and watch attentively. Once the demonstration
is completed, bow to the instructor and your partner, and then
begin to practice. During the demonstration of a technique, no
one should enter or leave the mat.
- Talking should be kept to a minimum - learn through experience.
If neither you nor your partner understand a technique, sit in
seiza and watch the other students or wait until you are offered
assistance by the instructor. Never call out for assistance.
- Remember to follow the instructor's directions quickly and precisely.
Injuries can occur with hesitation or delay.
- If the instructor is personally instructing students nearby,
sit and watch in order to allow enough room for the technique
to be demonstrated effectively and safely. If the technique is
being demonstrated to you and your partner, bow to the instructor
before resuming practice.
- Mutual respect is a keystone of training. Respect those more
experienced than you and learn from them. Respect those less experienced
than you and learn from them. Do not press your ideas on others.
- The most important thing to remember is to enjoy what you are
learning. All of your experiences and knowledge can be used outside
of the dojo to make your life, and the lives of those you touch,
more rewarding and fulfilling.
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