Dojo Culture

The Basics

This section is designed to help new students transition comfortably into Aikido training and to understand the basic ettiquite of a traditional dojo. This section is specifically designed to be a tool for our members. Your suggestions for content will help to make this area a useful tool for others.

The Dojo

There are many descriptions and definitions for the word dojo. I believe through training you will find your own. The important thing to remember is that a dojo is not merely a fitness or recreation center. As the art of Aikido as practiced in our dojo is meant to define the essence of each student, the place where we train is much more than a building, it is a place where we reflect on who and what we are, and do our best to inprove in every way through rigorous, concentrated training.

Inside the dojo,

The front of the dojo where the students face when beginning and ending class is called the Shomen. The Shomen in particular is the "top or center" of the dojo where the Aikido scroll is hanging. Many dojos have shelves or stands with pictures, flowers, and other items on the Shomen. Items on the Shomen should not be handled without permission of your instructor, except when cleaning the dojo. A literal description of the front side of the dojo is the Kamiza, high side. The back of the dojo is the Shimoza, or the "low" side. The right end of the dojo is called the Joseki end. The left end of the dojo is called the Shimoseki end. Senior students line up on the right, with junior to their left. The surface we train on is called the Tatami. Traditional Tatami is a woven straw mat that is used as floor covering in many Japanese buildings.

Our mats, though made of vinyl, are designed to have a similar surface to traditional Tatami mats. Every students should make themselves aware of where certain items can be located in the dojo. Keep in mind where medical equipment, student registration forms, and other supplies are stored. You may be asked to help a new student find one of these items.

Entering and leaving the dojo should be done in a respectful manner. Zazen classes may be in progress when you arrive for class so make sure to enter quietly. Conversations with other students or persons in the viewing area should be kept to a minimum during Zazen. Students should prepare for training and either join the ongoing sit or streatch in the back portion of the dojo. Do not talk on your mobile phone in the dojo unless it is an emergency. Conversations should be taken outside unless othewise noted, (for work or home emergencies) mobile phones should be turned off or in the silent mode during classes.

Do your best to be a few minutes early for classes. This gives you time to change and stretch before classes start. Every class may not begin with stretching. If you must arrive late for training, it is best that you inform your instructor in advance. In the event that you are unexpectedly late, change quickly, warm up, then wait in seiza at the edge of the mat for your instructor to ask you to join training.

Students should sit in seiza toward the back edge of the mat a few minutes before the scheduled start time of class. The senior student lines up on the right end and the junior students on the left of that person.

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