Dojo Culture

Parking

We have a large lighted parking area located on the West side of the dojo. Make sure your vehicle does not block the garage doors or the delivery docks of the other businesses in our parking lot. Help to keep our parking area looking neat and clean. If you find garbage in the parking area, throw it away or help clean it up. Everyone needs to chip in to keep our dojo and it's surroundings presentable.

Training

At the beginning of class, your instructor or a senior student will move to the center of the Shomen in front of the class and sit in seiza. When he/she bows forward, the senior student from the class line says Shomen-ni-rei, and everyone bows. The instructor then turns and faces the class, he/she bows toward the class and the senior student says Sensei-ni-rei the students then bow in the direction of the instructor. Everyone says Onegeishimas.

Hygiene

Good hygiene is extremely important for all members of the dojo. Hands and feet should be clean and washed before class if need be. Take care to act immediately if you suffer from athletes foot to avoid spreading it to other students. Fingernails and toenails should be cut short to avoid injury to other students or yourself. Wash your uniforms after each day of training.

Injuries & Illness

Inform your instructor and your partner of any existing injuries. Bruises and sore muscles are a part of any martial arts training. Training through these minor discomforts will help you to find the weaknesses in your ukemi. Do not train with a serious injury unless you have been cleard by a medical professional. If you have the flu or other illness that could be contagious, do not come to the dojo. Wait for your illness to pass then resume training.

If you become ill or get injured during training, let your instructor know before leaving the mat or make sure another student notifies your instructor immediately.

Cleaning the Dojo

Souji is the Japanese term used for cleaning. As members of a traditional dojo, we clean up after ouselves. This includes the training area, locker rooms, viewing area, bathroom, and kitchen of the dojo. Cleaning the dojo is not an attempt to subjugate students, it is a chance for students to show their respect and appreciation for they place where they train. A list of daily cleaning is posted in the "deep-sink room", become familiar with this list and do not wait to be asked to help clean your dojo.

As students of Aikido we seek to rid our body, mind and spirit of disorder and confusion, our surroundings are a good place to start.

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