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Aikido · In the dojo

Dojo etiquette

The bows and rules can come as a surprise the first time. There is a simple reason for them: everyone’s safety and well-being.

Why all the bowing?

Leave your ego in the changing room

The dojo, “the place of the way”, is where the founder’s teaching is handed down. You come to learn, not to measure yourself against others: respect, sincerity and modesty are part of training, just as much as the techniques.

There is nothing religious about the bow. It marks the beginning and end of practice, expresses trust in the partner to whom you entrust your body, and thanks the person teaching.

Don’t worry: nobody expects a beginner to know all this by heart. Watch the others, and let yourself be guided.

一 · Dōjō

The dojo

The place where the way is studied, and where the founder’s teaching is handed down.

  1. Follow the teaching

    Honour and follow the teaching; respect the founder’s philosophy and the way the teacher passes it on.

  2. An atmosphere of harmony

    Everyone helps to create a positive atmosphere of harmony and respect.

  3. Look after the place

    Everyone helps clean the dojo, in good humour: it is a way of saying thank you.

  4. The teacher decides

    It is the teacher who chooses whether or not to teach a student.

  5. Membership fees

    They guarantee everyone a place to train, and are one way of showing gratitude: please pay on time.

  6. Respect

    Respect the dojo, your equipment, and each other.

  7. No quarrels

    Personal disputes are never settled on the mat.

  8. The only opponent

    The aim is not to defeat an opponent, but to fight your own aggressive instincts. Aikido’s strength lies in suppleness, communication, self-control and modesty.

二 · Tatami

On the mat

A few simple habits that quickly become second nature.

Dojo plan during the bow The shōmen and the founder’s portrait at the top; the teacher facing it; the students lined up in seiza behind, all facing the shōmen. 正面 · shōmen teacher students, in seiza bow as you step onto the mat

  1. Bow

    When stepping on and off the mat, bow towards the shōmen and the founder’s portrait.

  2. The ceremony

    Class opens and closes with a formal bow. If you are late, join in without disturbing the class.

  3. Sitting

    In seiza. Don’t stretch your legs out or lean against the wall.

  4. Always ready

    Never stand idle on the mat: if you are waiting, wait in seiza, ready to carry on.

  5. Speak little

    Aikido is something you experience: talk as little as possible.

三 · Mitori

During the demonstration

Learning by watching is part of training.

  1. Watch

    While the teacher demonstrates a technique, stay in seiza and watch closely.

  2. Begin

    Bow to the teacher, then bow to a partner, and start training.

  3. Stop

    As soon as the end of the technique is called, stop at once, bow to your partner and line up in seiza.

  4. Ask a question

    Go to the teacher — never call out — bow and wait until they are free. A standing bow is enough.

  5. A correction for you

    When the teacher shows you something, sit in seiza, watch, and bow when they have finished.

  6. A correction for someone else

    You may stop to watch, seated in seiza, and bow in the same way.

四 · Anzen

Hygiene and safety

Looking after yourself means looking after your partners.

  1. Cleanliness

    A clean keikogi, a clean body.

  2. Nails and jewellery

    Short nails; jewellery and watches off before stepping on the mat.

  3. Barefoot

    We train barefoot; flip-flops or sandals take you as far as the mat.

  4. No food or drink

    No eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in the dojo.

  5. Never injure

    Protect your partner, and protect yourself.