Dojo Etiquette

Aikido Dos and Don’ts

You can download this file for personal reference. See also "An Important Note on Terminology & Etiquette"

Many dojo instructors hope students discover the dos and don’ts of Aikido on their own. To make it easier on new students, we have included the most common of these here.

Before Class

  1. Always be early. Help as required with the needed kamiza & mat setup before class and breakdown after class. Being on time is being late. If you do happen to arrive late, sit quietly in seiza (kneeling position) on the edge of the mat until the instructor grants permission to join practice. Then, quietly warm yourself up in the corner until the instructor gives you permission to join the activities.
  2. When entering or leaving the dojo, it is proper to bow in the direction of O-Sensei’s picture, the kamiza, or the front of the dojo. You should also bow when entering or leaving the mat. This is a sign of respect for the dojo, the students, the teacher, and the art. Note that this is not a religious gesture, but a traditional Japanese way of respecting others.

During class

  1. No shoes or socks are to be worn on the mats.
  2. Please address the instructor as ‘Sensei’ as opposed to their first name or ‘hey you’ while in the dojo.
  3. If you need help while practicing, please raise your hand and look in the direction of the instructor. Say ‘onegaishimasu’ which means you are requesting something, in this case help.
  4. Sit in seiza while the instructor is demonstrating something for the class, or even just to you and your partner. Thank your instructor after they have answered your questions and/or provided your group with advice.
  5. Resist the urge to socialize or provide commentary during class, what conversation there is should be restricted to one topic, Aikido. Reserve any comment or question until after the instructor has given permission for partner practice to begin, bow to your partner, and then get the instructor’s attention.
  6. If you should have to leave the mats or dojo for any reason during class, approach the instructor and ask for permission.
  7. Avoid sitting on the mat with your back to the picture of O-Sensei or the kamiza. Also, do not lean against the walls or sit with your legs stretched out. (Either sit in seiza or cross-legged please.)
  8. Remove watches, rings and other jewelry before practice so as to not hurt yourself or others during practice.
  9. Do not bring food or gum with you into the dojo.
  10. Please keep your finger and toenails cut short to avoid scratching others or injuring yourself.
  11. Keep your training uniform clean, in good shape, and free of offensive odors.
  12. Register and pay your dues promptly; contact the Chief Instructor if you will miss a class or will be away from practice for an extended period of time.
  13. Do not change your clothes on the mat or in the dojo.
  14. Preserve common-sense standards of decency and respect at all times.
  15. Enjoy yourself, train hard, and be friendly and courteous to your Aikido friends.


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Kodokan Aikido U.S.A, Blacksburg, VA 2017

Originally from Eric Sotnak's "Aikido Primer" (1993 version)