UC Aikido Club

 
 
 Upon stepping into the dojo, you should leave your 
 problems behind, enter practice with a focused mind        
 and follow proper etiquette.       

 Etiquette is the heart and spirit of Aikido practice. 
 Being aware is the core principle of etiquette. 
 In a real life situation, being unaware could easily 
 result in simple embarrassment to serious injury 
 or even death. Following proper etiquette keeps 
 you safe from injury while training.          
 It is your responsibility as a student to cooperate 
 in creating an atmosphere of harmony by respecting 
 the founder's teachings as taught by Sensei.          
 Each student must make a commitment to honor 
 and follow those teachings.

 Proper Dojo Etiquette

 :: Bow upon entering and leaving the practice 
    area of the dojo.

 :: Bow when stepping on or off the mat in the 
    direction of the Kamiza and the picture of the founder.
         
 :: Respect your training tools: Your practice uniform, 
    (gi) should be cleaned and mended. Do not forgo 
    washing your gi after more than two practices;          
    weapons should be in good condition and in their 
    proper place when not in use.
         
 :: A few minutes before practice you should be seated 
    and quiet. When coming on the mat at this time, 
    do nothing to disturb others who are waiting for class 
    to begin. 
         
 ::  Class is open and closed with a ceremony; it is 
     important to participate in this ceremony, but if 
     you are unavoidably late, you should be seated          
     beside the mat until Sensei signals for you to join 
     the class. Bow as you get on the mat. It is 
     important that you do not disrupt the class in doing so. 
         
 ::  The proper way to sit on the mat is in seiza. If you 
     have a knee injury, you may sit cross-legged, 
     but never sit with legs outstretched or lean          
     against walls or posts. You must be alert at all times. 
         
 :: Do not leave the mat during practice without first 
    asking for Sensei's permission.
         
 :: You should sit quietly and attentively in seiza when 
    Sensei demonstrates a technique during classs. 
    After the demonstration, bow to Sensei and then to 
    a partner and begin practice. 
         
 ::  When the end of a technique is signaled, stop 
     immediately, bow to your partner, and line up 
     with the other students.
         
 :: Never stand around idly on the mat; you should be 
    practicing or waiting your turn.
         
 ::  When receiving personal instruction during class, sit 
     in seiza and watch. Bow to Sensei when he has finished. 
         
 ::  When sensei is instructing another student, you may stop 
     your practice and watch. Sit formally and bow to him 
     when he is finished. 
         
 :: If you know the technique being studied and you are 
    working with someone who does not, you may lead the 
    person through it, but do not assume the role of the 
    instructor. You are here for practice; do not force your 
    ideas on others. At the same time, respect those 
    more experienced. 
         
 :: Keep talking to a minimum. 
         
 :: It is everyone's responsibility to keep the dojo clean; 
    the practice area should be kept clean and the mat 
    swept and wiped after each class.          
         
 ::  There should be no eating, drinking, smoking, or gum 
     chewing on the mat at any time. 
         
 :: No jewelry should be worn during practice.
         
 :: Visitors are welcome to sit and observe a class at any 
    time, but the following rules of etiquette should be 
    followed: 

         - Sit quietly and respectfully. 
         - No eating, drinking, or smoking while class is 
            in progress. 
         - Do not talk to anyone while that person is on 
            the mat. 
         - Do not talk or walk around while the instructor 
            is demonstrating. 

 :: If you are unsure of what to do in a particular situation 
    ask a senior student or simply follow his lead. Although 
    at first there will be many forms of etiquette to remember, 
    they will become natural as you continue to train. 
    Please do not be resentful if you are corrected 
    on a point of etiquette. 

 :: Always train within the ability of your partner. 
    Do not practice so as to injure your partner. 
    You are both responsible for each other.

 :: Please be aware at all times of those around you as 
    you take ukemi (falling), or are throwing your partner. 
    Train to develop awareness in all directions. 

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