Dojo Etiquette

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Aikido is practiced in a dojo. A dojo is a place where students gather together with their instructor for the purpose of practicing their martial art. The name is adopted, according to the doctrine of the martial arts, from Buddhist lore relating to the hall in which monks engaged in the disciplines of meditation, concentration and breathing, and later martial arts training.

Within the dojo is a mat area where warm-up exercises, aikitaiso (exercises to develop awareness and movement from one's center), ukemi (techniques of falling without injury) and the actual teaching and practice of the art of Aikido occur. The mat area is usually square or rectangular and its sides have names related to their traditional dojo function.

The Kamiza is the focal point of any dojo. It often contains a portrait of O'Sensei and/or a sample of philosophical calligraphy. It is reserved for instructors, honored guests and dojo officers during special meetings.

The Joseki may contain seating for visitors and spectators. Yudansha sit on this side during testing.

The Shimoseki may also contain spectator seating. Students sit on this side when testing.

The Shimoza is where students assemble before, during and after class, facing "Sensei", the instructor. They should line up by order of rank or seniority, with the most senior akidoka near the Joseki.

• Upon entering and leaving the mat, make a standing bow.
   
• When stepping on or off the mat, always bow in the direction of the Kamiza.
   
• Respect your training attire and equipment. Gi's should be clean and mended. Weapons should be in good condition and in their proper place when not in use.
   
• Five minutes before class practice you should be warmed up, seated formally in order of rank, and in quiet meditation. These few moments should be used to clear your mind of the day's problems and prepare for study.
   
• It is important to be on time for class. If you are unavoidably late you should wait in seiza beside the mat until the instructor signals permission for you to join class. Perform a seated bow as you get on the mat.
   
• Do not leave the mat during class without the instructor's permission, except in the case of illness or injury.
   
• You should be alert at all times. Never sit with legs outstretched. Never lean against walls or posts. You should be practicing or seated in seiza when on the mat.
   
• Keep talking to an absolute minimum. Aikido is best learned through experience.
   
• Respect those with more experience. Never argue technique with Sensei or sempai.
   
• If you feel it is absolutely necessary to ask a question of Sensei, go to him (never call him/her over), bow respectfully and wait for his/her acknowledgment.
   
• The mat should be swept or cleaned appropriately between each class. It is everyone's responsibility to keep the dojo clean.
   
• No jewelry of any kind should be worn during practice.
   
• No eating, drinking, smoking or gum chewing on the mat.
   
• Ensure that your hands and feet are clean before stepping on the mat. Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed for safety.
   
• Treat all others with courtesy, respect and kindness.
   
• Never display a negative attitude toward the other martial arts or other martial artists.