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A dojo is more than a physical space. It is a community of people. When you join the dojo you are a member of this community, and a very large family of Aikidoists all over the world. The dojo exists so we may develop well—with support, care, and guidance. Its quality depends on all of us. Please make yourself available for help in the dojo when it’s needed, be sure your membership billing information is up-to-date, support the spirited atmosphere in which we all train, and pass the good news of our dojo community on to your friends. In this way you are empowered to positively influence the dojo. Unlike a spa or gym, the dojo is an extension of our intent to develop a path of mastery, and generate peace in our lives. Your support of the dojo is your support of an ideal in action that benefits you and everyone else.
The use of bowing.
Bowing is a non-religious practice which is meant to pay respect and thanks to the art, to O’Sensei (the founder), the dojo, Sensei (your teacher), and your training partners. It’s an important cultural tradition that goes back to the very roots of martial arts study. Alone, a bow is hollow. The spirit in which it’s done gives it meaning.
If bowing is too challenging for your belief system then please just use traditionally clear and considerate language like, “Please…” and “Thank you very much” with body language congruent with the spirit. Here’s the basics:
• Bow as your teacher does when beginning and ending class.
• At the beginning of class, teacher and class exchange the word "Onegae-shimasu," which means "Please" (as in “Please do me the favor of…”). If you are late for class, simply wait for the instructor to invite you on the mat. Get dressed, return to the mat and do a seated bow towards the Shomen (the front of the dojo where O’Sensei’s picture hangs).
• At the end of class, the same is done with the words "Domo-arigato-gozai-masu” (Thank you very much).
• Bow toward your partner before engaging in practice. When you’re finished practicing, bow again and thank him/her.
• If you receive individual instruction during class, it’s polite to bow and thank your instructor.
What to wear, and not wear.
A white training uniform (a "dogi" or "gi" for short) is worn in class with a white belt. Your training uniform should be kept clean. Be careful of over-shrinking when you wash it (it’s recommended that you use cold water and air dry. Use a graduating amount of heat in your washes in order to shrink to size). No jewelry should be worn and long hair should be contained with a hair tie or headband. Hakama are worn by those of Dan ranks (blackbelts).
Cleanliness.
Train with a clean body. It’s respectful and it simply makes it more pleasant for everyone. It’s also important to make sure that your feet are clean before you train on the mat. Shoes should never be worn on the mat area or beyond the lobby of the dojo. Please also keep your fingernails short and your body free of perfumed products.
Clean doesn’t only extend to our bodies. Keeping the dojo facility clean and tidy is a communal responsibility assumed by each dojo member. Please lend a hand when the mat is being swept or cleaned, or with any other necessary work in the dojo.
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