What to wear and bring to class
Aikidoka typically wear a white Judo or Karate gi. It is acceptable for beginning Aikidoka
to wear sweatpants and a t-shirt to class. Karate and Judo gi's can be purchased at the dojo.
Bokens (wooden swords), jo (wooden staffs), and tantos (wooden knives) are available for students
during the weapons classes, or they may be purchased at the dojo.
Guests to the dojo are asked to wear a white belt, and are asked to refrain from wearing
their hakama. When class begins, please take your place to the left of the dojo's regular white belts.
How to conduct yourself
The observance of etiquette in Aikido is essential to training.
It draws us towards a cultural understanding of Japan and the principles of Japanese teaching methodology. For
the most part, it is a system of respect and courtesy, something not to be taken lightly in Aikido training. At
first, etiquette will seem strange and somewhat complex. It is best to develop your sense of etiquette as you
train. While some of the procedures of etiquette may not make sense at first, it is important to realize they
are part of a highly developed social system of values and samurai traditions. As you train, you will come to
understand etiquette in a much larger sense. Many students, in fact, eventually adopt the principles and precepts
of etiquette into their everyday lives.
In short, our practice of correct etiquette may be thought of as courtesy or kindness, and an extension of
our Aikido training not to be overlooked.
Aikido is more than exercise, it is a way of life. An important part of the dojo culture is to
learn about our etiquette. The following points are a basic guide to help you learn Aikido:
- Rei or bowing is done when stepping on and off the mats. Out of respect we bow to the picture of the founder of Aikido (O Sensei).
- Bowing is also done to the sensei at the beginning and end of the class. Follow the class when they bow to O Sensei and then bow to the instructor.
- We also bow to our training partner before and after practicing with them. We treat our training partners with respect without competition and work together with them to improve our Aikido.
- We also bow when bringing weapons onto the tatami. Weapons are treated with respect as they are an extension of yourself. When bowing always face towards the picture of O Sensei.
- When in the dojo always be alert, this includes when being on and off the tatami.
- Try not to disturb the class in any manner.
- If you need to leave the mats during class you must inform the sensei. Your body belongs to no one else but you, take good care of it and prevent injuries.
- Please wash your gi regularly and take it home after practice. Also keep your fingernails and toenails short and filed at all times.
- For you and your fellow Aikidoka protection, remove all jewellery before stepping onto the mats.
- You may want to invest in a pair of dojo slippers (zori) to keep your feet and tatami clean. You can store zori's and your weapons at the dojo.
- Please take your belongings home if you intend to be absent for more than 1 month. Your gi's should be taken home daily.
- Help clean the mats before and after practice - take the initiative!
- Take a few minutes before or after class to clean the dojo.
- Please mark your practice day in the attendance book.
- Please pay your Aikido fee before the first of the month. Cheques are payable to the 'Aikido Yoshinkai Ottawa'.
