Raleigh Ki Aikido
Dojo Etiquette
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RESPECT
The foundation of dojo etiquette is respect. Respect the dojo for the ideals it represents, respect the sensei (instructor) for his/her teaching, and respect your training partners for helping you train. If you add humility and gratitude to respect, you will be in the proper frame of mind to train. We cultivate the correct attitude in the dojo with the goal of maintaining that attitude in our everyday lives.

TIMELINESS
Please plan to arrive at the dojo 10-15 minutes before class to dress, get on the mat, and loosen up. Sit down and line up a few minutes before class begins. If you are late to class, step onto the back of the mat and sit quietly until the sensei invites you to join the class. If you need to leave the mat for any reason during a class, you must first ask the sensei for permission.

CLEANLINESS
Make sure your body and your training uniform are clean before entering the dojo. It is especially important to keep your feet clean and your fingernails and toenails trimmed short. Line up your slippers carefully and neatly at the edge of the mat.

BOWING
Rei (the bow) is an appropriate way of showing sincere respect, gratitude, and humility for each other, while at the same time, placing one's mind in a state of non-dissension, which is necessary for training. Rei is to bow with perfection and dignity. There should be no unnecessary motion or evidence of inattention.

There are two kinds of rei, making a bow from the sitting posture (seiza) and making a bow from the standing posture. Everything begins and ends with rei, not just in form alone but in spirit as well.

When to Bow

  • Upon entering and exiting the dojo.
  • Upon entering and exiting the mat room.
  • When stepping on or off the mat.
  • Before each training session. Follow the sensei and bow to Shomen (the front side of the room) and then to the sensei as he/she prepares to lead the class, saying "Onegai-shimasu" which translates as "I humbly wish to learn and work with you."
  • When a technique is demonstrated (both the sensei and students bow).
  • When beginning or concluding practice with your partner.
  • After each training session. You will bow again to the Shomen and to the instructor as he/she closes the class.
  • After Sensei has closed the class. You will form a circle with your partners and bow to each other to thank each other for training.
  • Whenever requesting help from a sensei or student.

GENERAL MAT BEHAVIOR
  • Do not wear jewelry/watches (except simple wedding bands) on the mat as you may cause injury to your training partner or yourself.

  • Colognes or perfume should not be worn on the mat.
  • Wash your practice uniform as often as necessary.
  • Always address the instructor as "sensei" whether on or off the mat
  • Do not interrupt sensei when he/she is teaching.
  • Do not interrupt the class or another student to ask questions.
  • Do not offer instruction to others unless sensei has specifically asked you to help.

CLEANING THE DOJO
The cleanliness of the dojo is a direct reflection of the students. Keeping the dojo clean is part of the training. If you see something that needs to be cleaned or corrected, do not wait for someone else to do it.