Etiquette (Reigi)

EAAC Etiquette

Etiquette tests our own personal boundaries with respect to our physical, emotional, mental, agenda and relationship (to ourselves, our spouses, friends, colleagues, etc) limits. It is not the point to go beyond those limits. Rather it is to see, within those limits, what habits can be adopted which can bring about a positive change and a shift in the way we apply ourselves to the practice of the art. Maybe, by trying it, we recognise habits which are unnecessary which we could eliminate and which would bring about more harmony between our hobbies, our work and our relationships. I know that I am no perfect example and I do hope that you can do better than me. It is after-all the goal of the instructor to
advance his/her students further than his/her own ability :-).

Every dojo will have their own protocol though we mostly all try to adhere closely to that which is followed in the learning environment of the Japanese aikido dojo.
This one seems to be optimal for improving the quality of the aikido learning experience. It is a Japanese-style etiquette, which is most fitting to Aikido being a Japanese art and giving the right setting for learning therefore.

Hereby, therefore, are the etiquette guidelines for the EPO Aikikai Aikido Club (not for negotiation!! The EAAC committee may eventually make some future adaptions, however, where necessary).
Please, for the sake of a correct learning environment, learn these guidelines by heart and try, where possible, to adhere to them.

1. Dojo.
- Keep the tatami clean and in a good state (for hygiene and safety and dojo spirit).
- When entering and leaving the dojo space, make a small bow of respect for the space and the people in it where you are training.

2. Starting the class.
- Students prepare the tatami and wait in a line 5 minutes before the start of the class at the edge of the tatami, facing the portrait of O-Sensei.
- When touching foot on the tatami for the first time, make a seated bow. This will help the student calm and centre him/her-self in mental preparation for the lesson and pay respect to the surface upon
which he/she will be training.
- The instructor opens the class by leading the group seated bow towards the portrait of O-Sensei. Afterwards, the instructor will greet, with a seated bow, the senior
ranked students and, finally, the instructor will greet everybody with a seated bow.
- On bowing in the beginning, we say the Japanese word "onegaishimasu" which, in the context of aikido, means something like "pleased to practice with you".

3. During the class.
- When the instructor is demonstrating the next exercise, students observe in a seated position. It is important at this point to absorb visually what is happening before putting what one sees into practice.
- Sometimes the instructor will be walking around during the practice, helping students out or demonstrating again the exercise. The students involved should be attentive in that case to what the instructor is trying to express and not walk away to practice with somebody else. Paying attention to what the instructor is demonstrating will prevent injury and will ensure a better quality of aikido.
- Do not resist during practice. Resistance is not the goal in aikido. It is not a test of strength. There may be a certain amount of "connection" necessary though it should be within the bounds of allowing the partner to practice the movement demonstrated. Resistance also comes in the form of escaping the movement as uke. If, as uke, you do not follow the guidance of tori, you might be in danger of entering an unexpected situation which could lead to resistance or even injury. Unless the movement is being done in what you think is a dangerous way, you should try to follow tori's guidance.
- Respect Uke's tap. Uke can, at any point, tap out if they are not feeling comfortable in the movement or if they are stretched to their limit. That tap should always be respected immediately and the movement should be stopped immediately. Part of the training is to tap out rather than say "stop". By tapping out, we control our emotions rather than react on them by shouting or screaming. We can tap the floor or our own body if we are standing. The more subtly and lightly we tap the more in control of our emotions we become.
- Do not try to explain to your training partner what the instructor was explaining (unless specifically asked to do so). Trying to explain to your partner your interpretation of what you saw from the instructor may confuse your partner. It may even lead them to doing the exercise contrary to the way the instructor has asked and it will ultimately break your own mode of practice. It is much better not to say anything at that point and to try to do what you think was asked than trying to tell your partner what you think you saw. The instructor will be there to make any corrections. Of course, if and only if your partner specifically asks you (for example, when beginners are not sure what to do), it is acceptable to explain your interpretation. It is totally unacceptable for somebody with a very small time in aikido to start trying to teach an experienced practitioner. We all have limits to our abilities. Some experienced practitioners may not be so able as others. It is not a reason for telling them how they should do it better. You would be exercising your ability of respect for their time in aikido and controlling your emotions if you would say nothing at a point when you have a strong opinion towards a more senior student. If something really needs to be said, there is always time for discussion after the class is over.
- Be aware of your space. Some movements might involve large utilisation of space. When you are tori, try to guide uke into a safe space. When you are uke, pay attention to where you are falling and where others are falling. Listen also to the instructors advice on how to manage the space.
- Be aware of your partner's physical limits. Some movements might involve pain when applied too much, too fast or too hard. Make sure the pace and the intensity are acceptable for your partner. You should always take care that you are not hurting a person beyond their limits and that you listen to their specific needs. If in doubt, ask your partner and eventually the instructor. A little bit of discomfort (if it is a stretch and not a break) may be acceptable and even beneficial.
- Injuries should be clearly indicted. If you are training whilst having an injury. Some common sense should be employed so that you do not train over your injury. You should also indicate to your instructor before the lesson what injuries you have. You should inform your training partner also about your injury either by telling them or applying coloured tape over the injured area.
- Be sincere in your practice of aikido. We hope that we can practice aikido in a joyful way. However, this should not be at the compromise of a sincere practice. Sincerity in wanting to learn from the instructor, sincerity in practicing with our partner (we say onegaushimasu each time on practicing because we are sincerely plesaed to practice with each other). It does not mean that we have to repeatedly bow like a robot every minute of the practice. One sincere bow is worth more than one hundred mechanical bows.

4. Finishing the class.
- The class finishes at it started with the students lined up and the three bows (group to portrait, instructor to senior students and instructor to all students). Time should also be taken to personally thank the partners you practiced with during the class.
- Tatami should be cleaned (when applicable) and arranged accordingly.

5. Attendance to class.
- Timing. See also "2. Starting the class". In aikido, timing is an important practice. When tori invites, uke connects in a timely manner. This is the goal of harmony in aikido. It also
applies to the attendance to the class. Nobody is telling you how to live your life. Students should be aware, however, if you are making a habit of being late, it is not contributing to the correct learning environment.
- Notify your instructor in advance if late or cannot make it. If you attend a class regularly and cannot make it one time for one reason or another, it is good etiquette and respectful towards the instructor to let him/her know in advance (either by calling or by passing the message to somebody who is going to the class). Normally a reason does not have to be given and usually the instructor will not make any fuss and will just be generally pleased to have your confirmation. Sometimes, you may want to get the instructor's advice though whether it is a good idea to train (for example if you are injured or tired, the instructor might advise you to train in a lighter way though it is finally the students choice) and in that case it is a good idea to give a reason why you don't attend. Privacy is, however, always respected towards the students.