aikido hiryukan dojo etiquette – reishiki

Tradition, Respect, and Discipline:

One of the most important aspects of the study of Aikido is learning to discipline our own behaviour - self-control. A prime example of this discipline is the etiquette we observe with our teachers and fellow students, and in the dojo, training hall. For example, when we bow or observe special ceremonies, we do so for the purpose of training our mind and spirit.

The etiquette we practice may reflect respect – we hope so. But respect is a feeling that comes from deep inside us and cannot be forced into existence by rituals or other people. We cannot demand respect but we can show respect to ourselves, others in the dojo and the art itself by following the correct procedures of dojo etiquette. It is not so important that others respond to our respect; to be respectful is the important part. Correct etiquette in Aikido is, basically, behaving politely and with consideration of others.

In the dojo a person learns to depend on others both for safety and for the good interpersonal relationships necessary to further their knowledge of the art. More importantly, it is simply pleasant to study in an environment where people try hard to accommodate one another. Unless common respect for fellow students becomes a part of dojo life, the dojo ceases to be different from the outside world. So the dojo must be a different place – benevolence must replace anger. The dojo is where kindness and understanding reign. The dojo is a place where values grow.

In the dojo cleanliness is more important than worldliness; quiet is more important than noise. The dojo is a place where people are able to forget outside problems and, for a few hours, train their bodies, minds and spirits. In the dojo, we train not worry; we are considerate not rude.

The number one rule of etiquette in the dojo is simple; consider others before you consider yourself. Yet to do so, first it is necessary to understand that the small things have great effect. For example:

Anyone who is not a member of the dojo should be greeted and asked if they have any immediate questions, offered a brochure, and asked to watch a class if they are interested.

We take off our hats and shoes; dispose of cigarettes, food, drinks, chewing gum, and stop any other distracting practices that might interfere with our or others’ training. Grateful for the opportunity to study Aikido, we want to focus all our attention and energy on that one task. Visitors are also expected to observe these guidelines for conduct. Outside footwear should be placed neatly at the entrance, and “dojo only” slippers4 if used, should be lined up neatly at the edge of the tatami.

When we greet a fellow student or a teacher, we greet them with the traditional bow and say “Osu!” This is customary in the practice of Japanese budo, martial arts. Bowing is also a sign of humility and reminds us that we are unendingly involved in a relationship with the people around us. At the dojo we take off our street clothes and put on a white dogi, training uniform, if possible. This helps us shed our outside concerns and focus our attention on our current task, Aikido training. Complete uniforms are preferred. Our study is a formal one, and the completeness of our dress reflects the attention we give to our study. A complete uniform also gives greater protection for our bodies. Please keep your things orderly in the dojo. Young children should change at home. All jewellery and watches must be removed before practice. Make sure all fingernails and toenails are kept trimmed so as not to cause undue injury to others.

Always consider your personal hygiene and the state of your uniform before entering the dojo training hall.

When entering and leaving a dojo we face the front of the practice area and rei, bow. We use the bow as an opportunity to remind ourselves to be grateful for a place to train.

When coming onto or leaving the tatami, practice mats, we bow again to the front of the dojo. This expresses our intent to concentrate fully on our Aikido training, and acts as recognition of all the individuals, past and present, who have contributed to Aikido.

All students should follow the daily routine: Tatami swept before class; carpet areas vacuumed before class; tatami swept after class.

Before the start of class the students line up and sit seiza, a kneeling position, in a straight line. The person to your right should be of equal or higher rank; the person to your left, equal or lower rank.
The highest-ranking student will call out “Shinzei ni rei”, which means bow to the front. It is a sign of respect to the traditions of Aikido. The senior student will then say ‘Sensei ni rei”, meaning bow to the teacher.

If you come to class late, enter onto the tatami, go to the teacher, kneel and bow to greet the teacher and be admitted to train.

When a technique is being taught, kneel quickly, and pay close attention. If you are corrected, bow and say, “Osu”, “Thank you”, or “Arigato” to the teacher. Always begin and end your training with your partner by bowing to each other. Keep talking to a minimum when practicing to get the most out of your training time. If your dogi becomes disarranged during practice, bow to your partner, straighten your dogi, and then bow again before resuming practice. During the class, any students wishing to leave the tatami must first ask the permission of the teacher. Never shout, curse, or become angry in the dojo. If there is a disagreement, ask the teacher what is correct.

Notify the teacher immediately of any accident or injury.

When the teacher is off the tatami, in the case of an emergency, the students should treat the most senior level student with the same courtesy as they do the teacher.

When the class is ending, the students quickly line up and kneel.
After the senior student calls out “Sensei ni rei”, wait for permission from the teacher to bow to each other, then bow to your partners.

Ours is a serious study, so no kicking, wrestling or dangerous play in the dojo. When sitting, sit in seiza, or during tests Anza, cross-legged only. Students should not lie around on the tatami.

Other important aspects of etiquette deal with more commonplace concerns. Please remember to pay your dues on time. In our enjoyment of Aikido training, we may forget our responsibilities to Aikido, and to our instructors.

When training as a visitor in another dojo, please check the visitation policies, and remember that your behaviour reflects on your home dojo.

In short, our practice of the correct etiquette may be thought of as courtesy or kindness, and an extension of our Aikido training not to be overlooked,

Finally, when in doubt – Ask!
~ Stephen Sensei