This dojo follows traditional rules of proper conduct. The dojo’s spirit comes directly from the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba (also called O Sensei), and it is the place of the succession of his teaching. It is each student’s responsibility to honor O Sensei’s teachings.

It is each student’s responsibility to cooperate in creating a positive atmosphere of harmony and respect. Respect the Founder and his teachings. Respect the dojo. Respect your training tools. Respect your fellow students.

Cleaning and dojo maintenance are acts of thanksgiving. It is the responsibility of all dojo members to help keep the dojo clean and well maintained. If you notice that minor maintenance needs to be performed (e.g., sweeping the mats, cleaning the bathroom sink, collecting trash, dusting) take initiative. Traditionally, this is a role for junior students, so if you see one of your sempai performing maintenance tasks, offer to take over that task. Major maintenance issues (e.g., leaking pipes, hazardous situations, etc.) should immediately be called to the attention of either your sempai or the dojocho.

Membership dues solely support the dojo facilities. It is each student’s responsibility to pay dues on time (by the 5^th day of each month). If you are unable to pay dues on time, or you are unable to pay the full amount, please discuss this with the dojocho. Based on individual circumstances, alternative arrangements may be possible.

Respect the way in which the instructor 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.

There will be no competition on the mat. The purpose of Aikido is not to fight and defeat an enemy, but to fight and defeat your own aggressive instincts.

When entering and leaving the dojo, as a demonstration of respect, perform a standing bow toward the shomen.

When stepping onto or off of the mat, as a demonstration of respect, perform a standing bow toward the shomen.

Sweep the mats before each class from inside to out. Never sweep toward the shomen.

Class opens and closes with a formal bow, first bowing toward the shomen, then bowing toward the sensei (instructor).

Please be on time for class, preferably early. If you are unavoidably late, quietly bow in at the edge of the mat and wait for the sensei to invite you onto the mat. Do not bow in while instruction is in progress.

To reduce the possibility of injury, please remove all jewelry prior to practice. Also, please keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed short.

Make sure your feet are clean prior to stepping onto the mat.

Make an effort to minimize talking on the mat. Focus on practice. Practice time is valuable!

Before and after practicing a given technique, thank your partner with a bow. This is also the case when your instructor provides instruction during class.

The strength of Aikido 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.

It is each student’s responsibility to mark each training session in the dojo training log.