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Dojo Etiquette Entering The Dojo Have your Gi on and properly tied. Just inside the door perform a bow towards the Kamiza. Go to the corner of the tatami (mat) and perform a kneeling bow, again towards the Kamiza. The Kamiza is the area of the tatami, which is identified by a photograph of O’Sensei. The Bow Remain seated on your heels. Place the left hand and then the right hand on the tatami in front of you, so that the two thumbs and index fingers form a triangle. Then bending forward from the hips, lower your head to a point approximately six inches from the floor and return to the upright-seated position. Starting Class When the Sensei or appointed instructor enters the dojo, wherever you are, you should stop what you are doing and turn to Rei (bow) to Sensei. Once you are properly dressed and you are ready to get on the mat, wait at the corner of the mat for Sensei’s permission for you to get on the tatami. (he will acknowledge you with a bow). Slip your Zori (slippers) off at the side of the mat ensuring that they are neatly placed. Perform your kneeling Rei towards the Kamiza and line up in a kneeling position in grade order. When Sensei gets on the mat you should Rei. Sensei will then kneel down and meditate for a moment, he will then proceed to Rei towards Kamiza, and you should then too, once you have performed this Rei, clap twice and then Rei again. Sensei will then turn towards you and you should Rei to him saying ‘Onegaishamas’. Follow Sensei’s lead in the warm exercises. During Class Perform a standing bow to your partner when you begin training together and when you finish training together. If the instructor should teach you and your partner individually, it is proper to perform a bow afterwards. Whilst the instructor is working with your partner, kneel on the Tatami. Make sure that your Gi remains properly tied during practice and that you stay adequately covered. Never sit with your back to the picture of O’Sensei. Coming Late To Class – Leaving Early Please wait before entering or leaving the dojo until the instructor is not demonstrating. Wait at the side of the tatami for Sensei’s permission to get on the mat, (If you are coming late to class). Wait at the side o the Tatami to ask for Sensei’s permission to leave the class. Perform the proper kneeling bow whether you are getting on or leaving the mat. Finishing Class When indicated by Sensei, line up in a kneeling position, in a straight line and in grade order, perform the rei as you did at the beginning of the class, only this time end by saying, "Domo arigato gozaimashita"(Thank you very much). Allow Sensei to leave the mat, then rei again, then turn to face the highest grade and rei to him/her, turn to the front, rei again and wait for the grades higher than you to get up. Once you are standing it is also polite to thank your partners by performing a standing to rei them. Leaving The Dojo Perform a kneeling rei to the Kamiza before leaving the dojo. Weapons When beginning a class place weapons at the side of the mat, ensuring the blade edge and tip of your bokken (wooden sword) are pointing away from the Kamiza. When collecting a weapon during class you should turn with your weapon in front of you towards the Kamiza and rei, do this also when returning your weapon to the side. At the end of the class, when putting your bokken back in its bag, it should be placed in the bag handle first.
Sensei Michael Brent (2nd DAN)
Aikido Circle
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