MEMBERSHIP RULES: DOJO Etiquette
Good etiquette is the heart and spirit of aikido practice. Awareness is the core principle of etiquette. In a real-life situation, being unaware could easily result in simple embarrassment, serious injury, or even death.
Following proper etiquette keeps you safe from injury while training. It is your responsibility as a student of Aikido of Westchester to cooperate in creating an atmosphere of harmony by respecting the founder’s teachings as taught by Firestone Sensei. Each student must make a commitment to honor and follow those teachings.
RULES OF PRACTICE
Bow towards the Kamiza and the picture of the founder upon entering and leaving the dojo and when stepping on or off the mat.
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 essential that you do not disrupt the class in doing so.
Respect your training tools: Your practice uniform, (gi) should be cleaned and mended. Gi tops must be of appropriate size and must be worn modestly with the left lapel fully folding over the right. Your gi top must cover your abdomen and chest. Wearing a t-shirt or a sports bra underneath your gi is required if your gi opens too widely. Do not forgo washing your gi after more than two practices, please wash after 1 practice during hot days; weapons should be in good condition and in their proper place when not in use.
Open wounds must be well covered with medical tape. No jewelry should be worn during practice.
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 remain alert at all times.
Do not leave the mat during practice without first asking for Sensei’s permission.
You should sit attentively in seiza when Sensei demonstrates a technique during class. After the demonstration, bow to Sensei and then to a partner to begin practice. When receiving personal instruction during class, sit in seiza and watch. Bow to Sensei when he/she has finished.
Never stand around idly on the mat; you should be practicing or closely watching while waiting your turn.
When the end of a technique is signaled, stop immediately, bow to your partner, and line up with the other students.
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 to practice; do not force your ideas on others. At the same time, respect those more experienced.
If you are unsure of what to do in a particular situation, ask a senior student or simply follow their 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.
It is everyone’s responsibility to help keep the dojo clean; the practice area should be regularly swept and wiped after each class. You are expected to take the initiative; do not wait for Sensei to ask you to clean.
Members must pay their monthly dues on time, at the beginning of each month. It is disrespectful to Sensei, the dojo, and to your practice mates to neglect your monthly dues. The dojo relies on everyone to contribute on time in order to run effectively.