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The following sections deal with behavior in the dojo.
The Dojo- A special place
Because Aikido techniques are powerful and can
be dangerous (particularly during the learning process), Aikido is
learned in a special environment designed to provide for the safety
of all of the participants: the dojo.
The dojo is much more than a room with a mat and a picture of O'Sensei
on the wall. The dojo is an environment where people can learn
Aikido safely. In order for this learning
to take place, and to take place safely, a certain attitude is required
on the mat in order to participate in Aikido training.
Behavior in the dojo
A certain attitude is required to practice Aikido safely. While it
can be hard to assess a student's attitude, behaviors can be observed,
and so here are some representative behaviors
that are necessary in order to learn Aikido
safely:
- Safe: every student is responsible
for safety; for themselves, their partner, and for other students.
This means (at the minimum):
- waiting until your partner is ready before attacking
- attacking your partner cleanly with the correct attack using
appropriate force, not too hard, but hard enough
- making sure that your partner will not run into anyone else
when you throw them
- using minimal force necessary to execute a technique, and
never enough to injure your partner
- keeping your hands and feet to yourself when not specifically
practicing an Aikido technique, particularly before and after
class
- getting up off the mat quickly when thrown, as lying down
on the mat is very risky
- entering or leaving the mat only with the explicit permission
of an instructor
- bringing objects (ball, weapon, etc.) onto the mat only with
express permission of an instructor
- keeping fingernails and toenails short, and hands and feet
clean
- leaving jewelry (for example, earrings, watches, bracelets,
necklaces, rings) at home
- Attentive: every student needs
to pay attention; first to the instructors, second to their partner,
third to the environment on the mat. Sitting in seiza
(kneeling) is one way we show we are paying attention when sitting
down. Looking at the instructor while they are talking to you
is another important habit to develop.
- Focused: every student must work
on the assigned technique during practice. It is particularly
important to stay with your partner and continue to work on the
techniques even if you and your partner are confused.
- Respectful: every student must
treat all others with respect. This means:
- doing what the instructors tell you to do
- working with any partners, whether you like them or not, regardless
of their experience level
- allowing other students to be attentive (do not distract other
students)
- taking turns as necessary
- sitting properly in seiza; avoid slouching against walls,
sprawling over the mat
- leaving your shoes in the rack by the door, because shoes
are not allowed in the dojo
- wearing a clean uniform and keeping a clean body
- keeping your voice low
- keeping talking to a minimum during class practice
- answering concisely when asked a question by an instructor
- not eating or drinking in the dojo except when explicitly
permitted
It is our goal to create a relaxed and friendly environment based
on the bushido values of Aikido, promoting personal growth and tranquility,
through which the children can learn Aikido. We specifically reject
the harsh military-style discipline found in some marital arts schools.
Our goal is to impose the minimum structure necessary for the children
to be able to learn Aikido safely.
The behaviors listed above constitute that minimum structure, both
to ensure safety, and to create an environment where all of the
children can learn.
Before and After Class
The period before the class starts is an opportunity to work on
an Aikido technique that troubles you with a friend, or possibly
to ask an instructor about how to do something that is difficult
for you.
After Saturday class, we ask that you move off of the mat and on
with your day. On Tuesday evenings, the adult class starts immediately
after the Children's class ends, and so it is particularly important
to move swiftly (and quietly) off of the mat and on with your evening.
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