Dojo Rules

Video photography courtesy of Bill Bresnihan

Dojo Rules

Aikido students must follow the instructor's teaching carefully; you must not compete to see who is the strongest. Instead, you should maintain a modest attitude and apply yourself to perform the techniques correctly.
Students must practice being alert not only to the front and to the partner with whom they are training, but to people on both sides and the back. Be aware of other people practicing around you so as to avoid accidental collisions.
Training should always be conducted in a pleasant and joyful atmosphere.
The instructor teaches one technique at a time, with versatile applications that must be discovered by each student through continuous and extensive practice with cooperating partners.
In daily practice, begin with gentle movements and stretches. Progress gradually to more intensive practice. Never force anything unnaturally or unreasonably at any time.
All practice must be adapted to the skill level, physical condition, and age of the partners training together. Aikido classes are attended by a mix of people. Beginners and experienced practitioners, young and old, men and women, can all practice Aikido in a pleasant and safe atmosphere.
The purpose of Aikido is to train mind and body to be strong yet flexible, and to produce sincere, earnest people. Do not attempt to apply any technique in a manner that would hurt or injure your partner. Demonstrate techniques purposefully, not randomly, and only to other students with whom you are training under an instructor's supervision.
The aim of Aikido is to develop one's most humane attributes - it should not be used to display ego. Do not compete with or hurt your partner.
Strikes and kicks should be used only in those Aikido techniques where atemi is required. They should be practiced without contact to the partner to prevent injuries.
Always practice the exact technique demonstrated by the instructor. While on the mat, limit your verbal corrections to your partner. We learn best through experience, not words. Use your ukemi to help correct your partner's movement; leave the verbal explanations to the instructor.