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	Dress and cleanliness                           Bowing                    During class                   Your attitude

The word dojo literally means 'Place of the Way'. The dojo is a place of learning. It is a place of respect, to keep clean and to care for. The dojo is a place to be made special for practicing a special art. In an Aikido dojo, the observation of basic forms of etiquette is integral to the creation of a respectful and attentive atmosphere which is conducive to learning.

The following are a few simple rules which enable us to train together in the spirit of Aikido.

Dress and cleanliness

• The dojo should be kept spotless. If you see something that indicates otherwise, for example, rubbish or dirt on the floor, don't wait for someone else to correct it. This is part of your training.
   

• Always see that toilets, showers, and dressing areas are kept clean.
   

• Treat your training tools with respect. Your gi should always be clean and mended. Your bokken, jo and tanto should be in good condition and in their appropriate place when not in use.
   

• Your body, and in particular your feet, must be very clean before you step onto the mat. Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed.
   

• No rings, watches or jewellery of any kind should be worn during practice.
   

• Do not wear heavily scented perfume or cologne in the dojo, although a deodorant might be appreciated by fellow students.
   

Bowing

• Bowing is an appropriate way of showing gratitude and humility, while at the same time placing one's mind in a state of non-dissension, which is necessary for the right training.

• Bow when entering and leaving the dojo.
   

• Bow when stepping on and off the training mat.
   

• At the beginning of each training session, the class lines up and bows first to the Kamiza (higher seat) and then tot he instructor, saying onegai shimasu, which translates as 'thank you for what we were about to do' or 'I place myself under your teaching'.
   

• At the end of each training session, bow again to kamiza, then to the instructor, saying domo arigato gozaimashita sensei which translates as 'thank-you for what you taught us'.
   

• Bow when requesting personal instruction from an instructor.
   

• When receiving personal instruction, remain quiet until the instructor has finished, then bow.
   

• After the instructor demonstrates a technique, bow, choose a partner quickly, bow and begin to practice.
   

• When the end of a particular practice is signaled, stop immediately, bow to your partner s) and line up in seiza (formal kneeling position) for further instruction.
   

During Class

• If you are late for class, wait at the side of the mat until the instructor signals that you may join the class. Then bow and enter the mat.
   

• All particulars should be sitting in seiza with quiet attentiveness when the instructor steps onto the mat to begin class.
   

• The formal sitting position on the mat is seiza. If you have an injury, check with the instructor, and if the instructor suggest, you may sit cross-legged, but do not sit with legs outstretched, lean against posts or walls, or lie down during class.
   

• Do not leave the mat during class without first obtaining the permission of the instructor.
   

• Never interrupt the class to question unnecessarily. Learn as much as possible through intent observation and concentrated practice. If you must ask a question, wait for an appropriate moment.
   

• Do not call out or interrupt the instructor while he or she is teaching.
   

• There should never be conversation of any kind while the instructor is demonstrating. When training with your partner, speak only when necessary.
   

• For reasons of safety, respect and courtesy, it is essential that the instructions of the teacher be followed exactly. Many techniques are dangerous if not practiced properly.
   

• Never argue about the technique. If there is a problem that cannot be resolved, ask the instructor for help.
   

• Never interrupt another student's training to ask for assistance. Wait until the instructor is available to help.
   

• Never be idle during practice. You should be training or, if necessary, seated formally awaiting your turn.
   

Your attitude

• Always enter the dojo with an empty min and with positive Ki. If you think you know already, it is difficult for you to learn.
   

• Never come to train when you have ingested any type of drug or alcohol.
   

• Any negative feelings you might be harboring must be left outside the dojo. There is no place for them inside.
   

• Always arrive at the dojo with plenty of time to sign in, change into your gi, and enter the mat area at least five minutes before class is to begin.