Rules of the Dojo
  • This dojo follows the traditional rules of proper conduct. The dojo's is the place of teaching Budo. It is the responsibility of each student to act appropriately and to honor those teachings.
  • It is the responsibility of each student to cooperate in creating a positive atmosphere of harmony and respect.
  • Cleaning is an active prayer of thanksgiving. It is each student's responsibility to assist in cleaning the dojo and to cleanse his or her own mind and heart.
  • The dojo is not to be used for any purpose other than regularly scheduled classes without the direct permission of the head instructor.
  • You cannot buy technique. The monthly membership dues provide a place for training and a way in which to show gratitude for the teaching received. It is each student's responsibility to pay dues on time.
  • Respect Sensei, the dojo, your training tools, and each other.

Rules of Training
  • It is necessary to respect the way in which the instructor of the class directs the training. Receive instruction and carry out suggestions for training sincerely and to the best of your ability. There is no room for argument on the mat.
  • It is the moral responsibility of each student never to use technique to harm another person or as a way to display his or her ego. It is a tool to develop a better society through the character development of the individual.
  • There will be no conflicts of ego on the mat. Budo is not street fighting. You are on the mat to train and purify your aggressive reactions and embody the spirit of the samurai by discovering your social responsibility.
  • There will be no competition on the mat. The purpose of Budo is not to fight and defeat an enemy, but to fight and defeat your own aggressive instincts.
  • The strength of Budo is not in muscular force, but in flexibility, timing, control, and modesty. Be aware of your limitations.
  • Everyone has different physical abilities and reasons for study. These must be respected. True Aiki is the proper and flexible application of technique appropriate to any changing situation. It is your responsibility to cause no injury to your training partner or yourself
  • There will be no power struggles within the dojo. The dojo membership is one family and the secret of Budo is harmony.

Proper Dojo Etiquette
  • Upon entering and leaving the practice area of the dojo, make a standing bow.
  • Always bow when stepping on or off the mat in the direction of the shomen.
  • Respect your training tools. Gi should be clean and mended. Weapons should be in good condition and in their proper place when not in use.
  • Never use someone else's practice gi or weapons.
  • A few minutes before class time you should be warmed up and formally seated in quiet meditation to rid your mind of the day's problems and prepare for study.
  • It is important to be on time for practice and participate in the opening ceremony. If you are unavoidably late you should wait, formally seated beside the mat until the instructor signals his or her permission for you to join the class. Quietly perform a simple seated bow as you get on the mat.
  • The only proper way to sit on the mat is in seiza (formal sitting position). If you have a knee injury you may sit cross-legged, but never with legs outstretched, never reclining, and never leaning against walls or posts.
  • Do not leave the mat during class except in the case of injury or illness.
  • During class when the instructor demonstrates a technique for practice, sit quietly and attentively in seiza. After the demonstration, bow to the instructor, then to a partner and immediately begin to practice.
  • When the end of a technique is signaled, stop immediately, bow to your partner, and quickly line up with the other students.
  • Never stand around idly on the mat. You should be practicing, or, if necessary, seated in seiza awaiting your turn.
  • If it is necessary to ask a question of the instructor, you should go to him or her and bow respectfully (standing bow). Never call the instructor over to you.
  • When receiving personal instruction, sit in seiza and watch intently. Bow formally when the instructor has finished. When another nearby is being instructed, you may stop your practice to watch. Sit formally and bow as before.
  • Respect those more experienced. Never argue about technique. Respect those less experienced. Do not pressure your ideas on others.
  • If you understand the movement and are working with someone who does not, you may lead that person through it. Do not attempt to correct or instruct your training partner unless you are authorized to do so.
  • Keep talking on the mat to an absolute minimum. Aikido is experience.
  • Fingernails and toenails must be short. Feet must be clean. Shoes or sandals are never allowed on the mat.
  • No eating, drinking, smoking or gum chewing on or off the mat during practice. No jewelry should be worn during practice, including rings and pierced earrings. Never drink alcoholic beverages while still wearing your practice gi.
  • You are welcome to sit and watch a class at any time, but the following rules of etiquette must be followed.
  • Sit respectfully, never with legs propped up on the furniture or in a reclining position.
  • Do not talk to anyone while they are on the mat and class is in progress.
  • Do not talk or walk around while the instructor is demonstrating or during the opening and closing ceremony.