The Beginners Guide to Aikido
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Arrival at the Dojo

Please be punctual. Enter the dojo (the practice location) and be on the tatami (mat surface) at least five minutes before the class starts and meditate until the Sensei (instructor) begins the class. When you come earlier than 5 minutes, do warm-ups exercises and practice by yourself or with other practitioners. If you happen to be late, do your warm-up exercises off the tatami (these must be done to prevent injury to yourself.)  Obtain permission to step on the tatami from the Sensei (instructor). It is mandatory to receive permission BEFORE stepping on the tatami so that the instructor is aware of all who are practicing at all times – this is for safety reasons as well as a sign of respect to the Sensei. Lateness, occasional or stemming from special circumstance (work for instance), is acceptable. However, habitual lateness caused by poor planning is an indication of a disorderly mind and unless corrected will slow down one's learning and progress in Aikido.

About Rei

Aikido is more than a sport, it teaches a way of life. As such, it commands our appreciation and respect. This appreciation and respect is owed to O'Sensei (founder of Aikido), the dojo (place of practice), the Sensei (instructor) and the other practitioners. Rei or bow means "appreciation and respect” and the manner by which, it is expressed.

Rei in the Dojo

Upon entering the dojo, do a standing bow towards the Kamiza (shrine): face the Kamiza arms held by the side of the body and bend the torso to a 30 to 45 degrees angle. At all times while in the dojo but not on the tatami, it is necessary to wear zori (sandals). They should be put on upon entering the dojo and neatly left at the side of the tatami during the practice. Assure that one's zoris are neatly placed at the side of the tatami, as it is a good sign of one's discipline.

Rei on the Tatami

Upon stepping onto the tatami, kneel down in seiza (sitting on the heels with the back straight) and bow to the Kamiza by bending the torso down to an horizontal position while lowering both hands in front of the knees. Your back should stay straight. This bow is also required whenever you leave the tatami temporarily or at the end of the class. In either case permission to leave the tatami before the end of the practice must be obtained from the Sensei as a matter of respect but also for practical reasons of safety (so the instructor remains aware that there are no injuries or illness that need attention.)

Rei to O'Sensei

The spirit of the founder is always present in the dojo through his legacy. That is why we express our gratitude and respect with a kneeling bow to the Kamiza at the beginning and end of each class. 1f you are late, bow on your own to O'Sensei before joining the class.

Rei to the Sensei

Rei to the Sensei at the beginning and end of a class, immediately after bowing to O'Sensei. The Sensei and the practitioners bow to each other during the class. Do a kneeling bow to the Sensei whenever he gives you personal attention. Note also that during a class the instructor is addressed as "Sensei" and not by his personal name. When one bows to the Sensei, at the beginning of the class, tradition is that one says "Onegai shimasu ("please do me a favour and practice with me") whereas at the end of the class, one says "Domo arigato gozai mashita" ("thank you very much").

Rei to partners

Your partner is the mirror of yourself. Ignoring his individuality and self-esteem is against the spirit of Aikido. Your partner is not someone you compete against, but a person to train and improve with. Helping your partner is helping yourself. At the beginning and end of each movement, practitioners bow to each other (in seiza) to eliminate all trace of aggressiveness. Normally one changes partner for each technique. Senior practitioners are precious helpers for you. Regardless of age, sex, and social status, they deserve your respect. Listen to them sincerely and follow their directions during practice. On the other hand, senior students should not take advantage of their position. They should remain humble and sincere, both in attitude and behavior, and to try to be a good role model for beginning practitioners.

Rei to weapons

Aikido training sometimes involves usage of weapons: the bokken (wooden sword), the jo (a 3 to 4 feet wooden stick), and the tanto (wooden knife). When used, they are an extension of yourself and help improve your Aikido. As such, they deserve respect and are bowed to before and after their usage: while standing hold the weapon with both hands at eye level the blade toward you with the tip to your left (except for the jo which has neither) and bow to the Kamiza. They should not be thrown, stepped on or over.

Pay particular attention to safety when practicing with weapons. Never swing a weapon until you are completely sure that there are no fellow students who might be injured by your actions. You are responsible to be aware of anyone entering your practice area, as they may not notice your activity.

General manners

While you practice, always be alert. Careless practice causes accidents and makes no improvement in one's Aikido.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY DURING PRACTICE. REMAIN ALERT!

Report all injury or illness immediately to the Sensei and do not leave the tatami until you have received permission. This is out of respect for the Sensei but is also a safety precaution so that the Sensei is made aware of any illness or injury that needs attention.

Do not waste both yours as well as your partner's time in unnecessary talking during practice. Keep the conversation minimal at all times. Do not hesitate to let your partner and the Sensei know when you cannot continue practice because of sickness, injuries, or genuine tiredness. When only a short rest is necessary, go quietly to the corner after bowing to your partner and the Sensei, and watch the class. If you feel sick, and still want to practice, see the Sensei and ask permission. Your body belongs to nobody else but you. Take good care of it and prevent injuries.

Wash your dogi (the uniform worn during practice) regularly, ideally after every class.

Keep your toe and finger nails short and filed at all times.

Never wear jewelry or affixed body decorations of any kind at any time during practice. This is dangerous and you will be told by the Sensei or senior students to remove these articles before you will be allowed to practice. This will help prevent accidents to both yourself and your partner.

Relieve yourself before class. If you sweat a lot keep a handkerchief or a hand towel in your dogi. Do not drink during class unless you have asked permission from the Sensei.

Please mark the appropriate box on the attendance list for each of your practice days.  If your name does not appear on the list, just add it in one of the provided blank lines. This must be done before each class and as you enter the JCCC facility at the reception desk.

Each and every member shares the responsibility of keeping the dojo clean at all times and should enjoy it. Cleanup is done after each practice day. Do not wait to be directed, but show initiative and do whatever is necessary to assure that the facility is clean. If you have any questions, ask the Sensei or any advanced student, they will cheerfully answer.

Those not on the tatami during a class should keep their voices low to avoid disturbing those who are practicing. During the Rei at the beginning and the end of the class, those off the mat should remain quite. By keeping in mind that the main goal in the dojo is to train in Aikido, it becomes easy to understand the proper attitude that one should have while there.

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