Training at Emory Aikikai

Etiquette can be defined as "the practices and forms prescribed by social convention or by authority." The Japanese term for etiquette is reigi. Japanese society has depended on reigi to maintain order since its feudal era. Emory Aikikai observes a strict set of rules by which to train. Students of the dojo will be expected to observe these rules in order to maintain a safe and healthy training environment; the dojo reserves the right to refuse instruction to any student that does not obide by these rules.

 

Reigi is the outward expression of intention and nature. In aikido, your actions define how those around you perceive your intentions; the proper use of etiquette makes your intentions obvious through your actions. It is you obligation to learn reigi if you are to persevere in martial arts, much as it is you obligation to learn etiquette in your society to interact with others. Your observance of etiquette is directly related to your attitude and appearance on the mat.

 

Below are some basic etiquette rules that are universally observed in aikido and specifically observed in this dojo. Please become familiar with these rules; sempai (senior students) are excellent resources to learn more about etiquette as well.

• A dojo is a place of learning. When you are in a dojo, act with honesty and sincerity. Respectfully accept instruction and criticism.
• A standing bow facing shomenis performed when entering or leaving the dojo.
• Practice at all times with concentration and awareness of your partner and your surroundings.
• Aikido training involves close contact with different partners, come to class ready to share close contact with others. No one wants to work with someone that is offensive to smell or touch.
• Students sit at the back of the mat shimoza, the instructor sits at the front of the mat kamiza; shomen is the location of the shrine or centerpiece of the mat. Facing the front of the mat, shimoseki is the junior-end of the mat, located on the left. Facing the front of the mat, joseki is the senior-end of the mat, located on the right.

• Your dogi is a uniform, it should be clean and presentable. You should wear undergarments that do not show through the gi and modestly cover any body parts that many become exposed during training.
• Your body should be clean and ready to train; fingernails should be clean and kept short, hair should be pulled back using a band (no hard clips), jewelry should be removed.
• Arrive promptly to assist in cleaning and preparing the mat for class. Class will not begin until the mat has been properly prepared.

• Shomen ni rei. Bow to the shrine or picture of O'Sensei when stepping onto or leaving the practice mat.
• Students should line at shimoza and sit quietly in seiza (formal seating) when the class is ready to begin. Students should sit in order of rank, kohai (junior students) to sempai (senior students), from shimoseki to joseki of the mat.
• IF you arrive late after class begins, please wait in seiza at the shimoseki corner until sensei invites you to join the class. IF you arrive late before class begins, please step onto the mat and wait in seiza without disturbing students already seated.
• Sensei ni rei. When the instructor steps onto the mat bow in his/her direction.
• Class begins formally with a bow to shomen, two claps, another bow to shomen, and the phrase "O negai shimasu" ("please help me").

• Students should line at shimoza and sit quietly in seiza when the class is ready to end.
• Class ends formally with a bow to shomen, two claps, another bow to shomen, and the phrase "domo arigato gozaimashita" ("thank you").
• When the instructor invites students to move, shikko ("knee walking") to the center of the mat and create a circle around shomen.
• Shomen ni rei. Bow to the shrine or picture of O'Sensei when stepping onto or leaving the practice mat.

• The proper way to sit during class is in seiza - formal Japanese sitting posture. A cross-legged sitting position is acceptable if seiza is not possible; please inform your instructor of any problems that interfere with the ability to sit in seiza. To sit with legs outstretched or feet pointed directly facing shomen is unacceptable.
• Students should not sit with their backs towards kamiza, nor should they pass between sensei and kamiza.
• Do not leave the mat during practice except in the case of injury or illness. If you must leave the mat for personal reasons request permission first from sensei.
• Please act respectful on the mat; avoid impolite actions like cursing and shouting.
• If it is necessary to walk from one end of the mat to the other, please do so using the back of the mat.
• Never stand around idly on the mat. You should be practicing or seated formally awaiting your turn.
• Always be attentive on the mat, this is called zanshin. You are responsible for your safety and the safety of others training around you.

 Working with Partners

• Always begin and end your training with your partner by bowing to each other; partners are identified as an initiator uke and receiver nage. When approaching a partner, say "O negai shimasu"; after practicing with a partner, say "domo arigato."
• Students pair up to train; when there are an odd number of students, the extra student should approach a pair and politely ask to join.
• When training in pairs, students practice the technique four times then exchange roles. When training in groups of three, students practice the technique two times from each uke, and then exchange roles.
• Your partner is not an opponent; respect their skill and physical ability. You are obligated to train in a manner that is appropriate to that partner's skill. You are responsible for their safety.
• When the end of a technique is signaled, stop immediately. Bow to your partner with the proper salutation and quickly line up with the other students.
• When changing partners during class, you should acknowledge both the partner you are leaving as well as your new partner with a bow and the correct salutation.
• When working with kohai, you may lead nage through the correct movement. You may provide feedback on the technique, but avoid instruction unless you have permission from sensei to teach the technique.
• Respect those who are more experienced. Never argue about technique. If there is disagreement about practicing the technique, quietly request assistance from a sempai or sensei.
• Train through experience. Avoid conversation with your partner or digression from the instructed technique. 

• After sensei demonstrates a technique, bow and quickly approach a partner to with which to train. When sensei signals the end of a particular practice session, students should stop practice immediately, say the formal ending salutation to their partner, and return to shimoza for further instruction.
• Clapping is the signal to cease training and listen to instruction. When sensei indicates that practice is to resume, bow to the instructor and promptly resume practicing.
• For reasons of safety, respect, and courtesy, it is essential to follow instructions. Aikido techniques are dangerous and can result in injury. Emphasize learning as much as possible through intent observation and concentrated practice, and save questions for after class.
• If it is absolutely necessary to ask a question of sensei or sempai, go to him or her bow respectfully and wait for acknowledgement. A standing bow is acceptable. To call sensei or sempai over to answer a question is disrespectful and rude.
• Do not question instruction during class. If you wish to ask a question about the name, application or movement of a technique, you may ask respectfully. If you wish to ask a question about the execution of the technique, or the about the instruction of the technique, you may ask respectfully after class, in private.
• Carry out the directives of sensei promptly.

These rule are necessary to create a safe, healthy, environment in which to train and to create trust and respect between your partners. In time, reigi will be a natural expression of your training.