DOJO RULES

The class starts and ends with a formal ceremony. At the beginning of practice the students and the instructor greet each other bowing in a seiza with the words: "O NE GAI SHI MAS". Loosely translated it is a request which means "Please, lets practice" or "Please I am ready to practice together".

The words spoken by the students and the instructor at the end of practice are: "DOMO ARIGATO GOZAIMASHTA- in formal occasions and they mean: You have my respect and gratitude for what you have just done". A simple "thank you" is accepted as well.

Dojo rules

• The Dojo is a place of peace, concentration and discipline. This atmosphere must be kept at all times.
• The instructor's word is obligatory for all. He has the right to sanction everyone who doesn't act according to his orders and these rules of conduct.
• It is forbidden to eat, drink and chew a bubblegum on the mat (tatami)
• Smoking is forbidden at the dojo.
• You mustn't enter the dojo with shoes on.
• Slippers must be worn on the way from the changing room to the gym.
• Personal hygiene must be on a high level. Since we practice barefooted, feet must be clean.
• Fingernails and toenails must be short, so as to avoid injuries. No jewelry or excessive cosmetics or lotions (that can rub off on another's gi) should be worn during practice. Do not wear strong colognes or perfumes, necklaces or anything that dangles or has sharp edges.
• The training uniform is white kimono with white belt. It is possible to practice in sport's wear (tracksuit). Short trousers are not allowed. The practice uniform must always be clean.
• Hakama (black trousers) can only be worn by those who own registered Dan (master belt) from Aikikai Hombu Dojo-Japan and by the members of the club who have achieved 1st kyu degree.
• Always bow when stepping on or off the mat in the direction of the shomen.
• It is very important not to be late for practice. If the class has already started, you should wait at the edge of the mat for the teacher's permission to enter.
• During the practice you can only leave the tatami with the teacher's permission. The students who must leave before the end of the class, must notify the instructor, bow and exit quietly.
• During the practice you may speak only in exceptional circumstances and only about matters that concern the practice and the aikido.
• Bow towards the partner when switching roles (also at the beginning and the end of each exercise)
• If you don't practice for a short period of time for any reason, you must sit at the edge of the tatami in seiza or anza, not turning your back to the kamiza.
• During each explanation of an exercise or technique you must be seated in a seiza or anza and await permission to start practicing. When the instructor has finished with the demonstration all students must bow and start the exercise. This must be done promptly in order not to lose practice time.
• If you are not certain about an exercise or something is not clear to you, try to understand by watching the others. If it is necessary to ask the teacher go to him and bow respectfully (standing bow). Never loudly call the teacher over to you.
• Do not make noise. The concentration is stronger in silence.
• During the practice we mustn't allow to be overwhelmed by personal friendships or dislikes. The respect for the partner must be held at a satisfactory level.
• Always try to help someone in need, but don't be tutor in the presence of the teacher.
• The visitors are always welcomed, but they mustn't impede the practice in any way.
• All questions will be asked and answered at the end of the training.
• The students who can't obey this rules will unfortunately be asked to leave.