Protocols and Etiquette

Etiquette and bowing in Aikido have no religious significance, but are a way of acknowledging the trust and respect we have for the people we train with and to remind ourselves that the dojo is a place where we leave our everyday lives behind for a few hours and simply focus on practicing Aikido.

The following simple protocols should be observed as a sign of courtesy and respect:

Bow when you enter the dojo.
At the beginning and end of class line up on the edge of the mat, in order of rank. You should be sitting in Seiza (kneeling posture). Sensei (the instructor) will be sitting in the middle of the mat. We will all bow to the front of the dojo and then to each other.
Never wear shoes on the mats, and please make sure your feet are clean when you arrive.
Apologise if you collide/bump into others.
Bow to any instructor or other student who has helped you.
Bow to your training partner at the start and finish of training together.
When Sensei is instructing, do not talk amongst yourselves - this is rude.
If when you arrive the mats haven't been swept, feel free to sweep them.
No one bites! Feel free to ask questions, no matter how silly you think they are.
Relax, listen, learn and enjoy yourself.