KITAYAMA Dojo's KOKOROE

The Dojo is not a place where you can do anything. There is a list of etiquette rules that must be followed for students to train smoothly in the respectful manner that is the traditional way. The below lists contain just the minimum etiquette rules.  The instructors will explain these etiquette rules from time to time and may also require students to follow other necessary etiquette rules.

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1. Make a Standing Bow to the centre of the Dojo when you enter and leave the Dojo

2. Do not come to the Dojo with bare feet

3. Take off your hat or cap when you enter the Dojo

4. Before entering the Tatami mat area:

   1. Take off your shoes and place them neatly in the storage area;

   2. Take off all jewelry; and

   3. Tie up long hair with simple bands

5. Cut your nails before training

6. Only female students can wear a shirt under the Dogi uniform

7. Make a Sitting Bow to the KAMIZA when you enter and leave the Tatami mat area

8. Bow formally to the KAMIZA and instructor at the beginning and the end of class (including people watching the class)

9. If you are late, wait at the corner of the Tatami mat area with a completed acknowledgement form for the instructors. When the instructor gives you permission to join the class, complete the warm up exercises and join the class

10. Do not walk in front of people who are bowing or talking to each other

11. Listen carefully to the instructor and follow the instructors’ instructions

12. Train within your ability and look after your training partners

13. Keep your personal conversation to a minimum and stay focused during training

14. Sit properly (kneeling or crossed leg position) when the instructor explains or demonstrates

15. Inform the instructor immediately if you are unwell or feel unusual

16. Obtain permission from the instructor if you would like to have a rest during training

17. Drink water when you need to but only drink at the corner of the Tatami mat area

18. Show appreciation and say “Arigato　Gozaimashita” to your training partners at the end of class

19. Clean the Dojo and bring Tatami mats to storage area after each class

20. Be humble and do not show off Aikido techniques

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For Parents:

• Please make a Standing Bow to the centre of the Dojo when you enter and leave the Dojo and the Tatami mat area

• Please do not come to the Dojo with bare feet

• Please take off shoes and line up neatly before entering the Tatami mats area or the Designated parents’ area

• Please make a Standing or Sitting Bow at the start and the end of the class together

• Please refrain from talking loudly during training (minimum tone for mobile phones)

• Please clean Dogi uniform after each class for your children

• Please look after and supervise your children at all times while they are in the Dojo and report to the instructor if something is wrong or unusual

Our Aikido Kids Class Policy has “No Drop off & Pick up” policy that enforces all kids to be accompanied by one of parents to the Tatami mat area before and after the class. For under 10 years old, we ask one of parents to stay as much as possible and assist your own kids’ toilets needs during class.

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