The following rules are destined to make the most of the practice time while on the mat. Although there seem to be many forms of etiquette to remember, they will come naturally as you continue to train. Please do not resent it if you are corrected on a point of etiquette for each one is important to your safety and to the learning experience.
The opening and closing ceremony of each Aikido practice is a formal bow directed to the shomen (ceremonial wall) and a bow between the instructor and students. The bow directed to the shomen symbolizes respect for the spirit and principles of Aikido, and gratitude to the Founder for developing this system of study. The words spoken at the beginning of practice between the students and the instructor are, “Onegai shimasu.” Loosely translated it is a request which when spoken by the student means “Please give me your instruction.” When spoken by the teacher it means “Please receive my instruction.” The words spoken by the student to the instructor at the end of practice are, “Domo arigato gozaimashita.” “You have my respect and gratitude for what you have just done.” This is the most respectful way of saying thank you.
Upon entering and leaving the practice area of the dojo make a standing bow.
Always bow when stepping on or off the mat in the direction of the shomen.
Respect your training tools. Gi (training suit) should be clean and mended. Weapons should be in good condition and in their proper place when not in use.
A few minutes before class time you should be warmed up and formally seated in quiet meditation to rid your mind of the day’s problems and prepare for study.
It is important to be on time for practice and participate in the opening ceremony. If you are unavoidably late you should wait, formally seated beside the mat until the instructor signals his or her permission for you to join the class. Quietly perform a simple seated bow as you get on the mat.
The only proper way to sit on the mat is in seiza (formal sitting position). If you have a knee injury you may sit cross-legged, but never with legs outstretched, never reclining, and never leaning against walls or posts.
During class when the instructor demonstrates a technique for practice, sit quietly and attentively in seiza. After the demonstration bow to the instructor, then to a partner and immediately begin to practice.
Do not leave the mat during class except in the case of injury or illness.
When the end of a technique is signaled (by a hand clap), stop immediately, bow to your partner and quickly line up with the other students.
Never stand around idly on the mat. You should be practicing or, if necessary, seated in seiza awaiting your turn.
If it is necessary to ask a question of the instructor you should go to him or her and bow respectfully (standing bow).
Never call the instructor over to you.
When receiving personal instruction, sit in seiza and watch intently. Bow formally when the instructor has finished. When another near by is being instructed you may stop your practice to watch. Sit formally and bow as before.
Respect those more experienced. Never argue about technique.
Respect those less experienced. Do not pressure your ideas on others. Never block them.
If you understand the movement and are working with someone who does not, you may lead that person through it. Do not attempt to correct or instruct your training partner unless you are authorized to do so.Keep talking on the mat to an absolute minimum.
Fingernails and toenails must be short. Feet must be clean. Shoes or sandals are never allowed on the mat.
No eating, drinking, smoking or gum chewing on or off the mat during practice.
No jewelry should be worn during practice, including rings and pierced earrings.