Attendance by Guests
1. Guests are always welcome to attend and watch the training sessions.
If in the company of a student, it is preferable to introduce them to the
Sensei before class begins. Guests should always sit respectfully in the
back of the training area. This also applies to students who are not practicing
because of injury or illness.
2. Guests should watch attentively. There should be no eating, drinking
or reading, while the class is in session.
3. No photographs should be taken without obtaining prior permission
from the Sensei.
4. There should be no talking to anyone while that person is training.
Guest should sit quietly and not walk around while the class is in session.
5. Even though non-practitioners cannot be expected to sit in seiza
during the entire training session, they should sit in seiza and join in
the bowing at the opening and closing of the class.
Wago Enten Aikido Dojo Office Procedures
Dues should be paid promptly at the
beginning of each month. Place a check made out to “Wago Enten Aikido Dojo”
in the exact amount in an envelope with the students name and the month
on the outside. Give it to the Sensei before class begins.
Grading examinations should be taken
at the dojo where you usually practice. If one intends to study at Wago
Enten Aikido Dojo for a long period of time and wishes to test at Wago
Enten Aikido Dojo, a letter from your “home” Sensei, establishing your
rank and training record should be provided. In some cases, your rank may
not be recognized for any of a variety of reasons, and you may be asked
to test initially at a lower level.
Testing procedures are a part of the
training experience and all students should attend and observe tests whenever
possible. Training sessions have their own special forms of etiquette.
It is advisable to observe at least one testing session before attempting
your first test. Senior students should be consulted for assistance in
preparing for tests.
Applications for testing should be completely
filled out, and submitted within the time limit posted on the dojo calendar
webpage. Successful participants should pick up their certificates as soon
as possible after the results are posted.
Proper Conduct During Aikido Training
General Principles
Aikido is a means of personal development,
training the body, mind and spirit. It is important therefore to always
conduct oneself with the proper attitude of respect, sincerity and modesty.
The position of Sensei, or teacher,
is one of great honor. Your teachers are not just selling techniques, but
are handing down the teachings of the Founder. They should be treated with
the proper respect at all times.
Senior students (both in rank and in
age) should also be dealt with respectfully and modestly. Never put your
self above a senior student.
Aikido is founded on a philosophy of
harmony. There should never be any fighting or competition in the training
area. Nor is training a time to display your strength and flaunt your ego.
Train always in a spirit of cooperation and modesty.
In every class there are people of different
sexes, ages and physical abilities. While the ideal is to always train
as vigorously as possible, the physical abilities and training goals of
each partner must be taken into consideration.
Whenever a Sensei gives instruction
or advice, always listen carefully and try to follow as best as possible.
Never argue with a teacher, even if another teacher has said something
different. There are many ways of performing techniques and you should
follow each teacher, in every class, to the best of your ability.
There are many different items of etiquette
which should be learned as quickly as possible. Some are obvious and some
are not. Always be observant of the behavior of others so that you can
continue to learn the proper etiquette. Accept all corrections with due
humility.
If at any time you are unsure of the
proper behavior, or way of doing something, politely ask a senior student.
Follow the senior’s lead in all matters.
In spite of these rules, the practice of Aikido should always be an
enjoyable activity. Pleasant and enjoyable practice sessions will always
be assured if each student brings a positive and harmonious attitude, coupled
with goodwill and respect for others.
Wago Enten Dojo Etiquette
1. Upon entering the dojo bow and greet the other students/teachers.
2. Maintaining cleanliness is not only a health benefit but is also
good discipline training. Always keep yourself clean and well-groomed.
Training dogi should be clean at all times and well mended. Rips and tears
are not only unsightly, they are also dangerous. Never wear jewelry while
training for this is dangerous both to one's partner and oneself.
Is it equally important to maintain the cleanliness of the dojo. Every
student should participate in the cleaning of the practice area after each
class. In addition, periodically, there is a general cleaning of the dojo
building. Everyone is invited to participate in this event.
3. The formal opening and closing of each class is an important ceremony.
Every student should be on time to participate. If late, never enter the
practicve area at the same time as the instructing Sensei. Wait until a
time when you will not disturb others and quietly join the class.
Do not leave the class during practice except in cases of illness or
injury and never leave until consulting with the Sensei.
4. All students should arrive sufficiently early to allow for stretching
and warming up before class begins. A few minutes before the starting time
everyone should be sitting quietly, waiting for class to begin.
5. It is proper etiquette to sit in seiza at all times when in the practice
area. This is also the correct position to sit in while waiting for your
turn for testing or when observing the tests. Crooslegged or other forms
of sitting are only permissable in the case of injuries, but never should
one sit in a casual or disrespectful manner.
6. When the Sensei is demonstrating a technique to the class as a whole,
you should sit at the sides of the practice area and pay close attention.
This is not a time to be talking, wiping your face, or adjusting your clothing.
When the Sensei signals the end of a technique
you must stop immediately and go quickly to the edge of the mat area. Do
not continue to practice or linger in the middle of the mat.
If the Sensei, during the practice period,
goes to an individual student to demonstrate or explain something, those
student sin the immediate area should stop practicing, and sit attentively
in a circle to watch the explanation. After the individual explanation
is finished you then bowto the Sensei and continue on with the practice.
7. Knowledge in Aikido is gained through constant and repetitive practice
and not through talking. As a result, talking on the mat should be kept
to a minimum. Never stand around idly during the training session. You
should always be practicing, or if waiting for your turn, you should be
sitting in seiza watching your other partners.
If you feel that you must ask the Sensei a
question you should go to him or her and quietly wait until you are acknowledged.
Then bow and politely ask your question, bowing again after the answer
is received. Never call out to the Sensei, expecting him or her to come
to you.
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