Class Structure...

Aikido is not a religion, but the education and refinement of the spirit.  You will not be asked to adhere to any religious doctrine, but only to remain spiritually open.  When we bow, it is not a religious performance, but a sign of respect for the same spirit of universal creative intelligence within us all.

Before classes start, students typically begin warming themselves up on or off the mat. A few minutes before class time, you should be formally seated in seiza (kneeling position) in quiet meditation to rid your mind of the day's problems and prepare for study.  The opening and closing ceremony of each Aikido practice is a formal bow directed to the shomen, two claps, another bow to the shomen, and a bow between the instructor and students.  The bows directed to the shomen symbolize respect for the spirit and priciples of Aikido, and gratitude to the Founder for developing this system of study.  The two claps symbolize unity, "musubi".  You send out a vibration with the first clap and recieve its echo with the second.  The vibration you send and the echo you receive are dictated by your own spiritual beliefs and attitudes. 

The words spoken at the beginning of the practice between the students and instructor are: "Onegai Shimasu".(oh - nye  ga-she mas),   Loosely translated it is a request which when spoken by the student means: "Please give me your instruction."  And when spoken by the teacher means: "Please do what is expected of you", or "Please receive my instruction."  The words spoken by the student to the instructor at the end of  practice are: "Domo arigato gozaimashita." (do-mo ah-ree-gah-toe go-zee mas’ta),  Meaning: "You have my respect and gratitude for what you have just done."  This is the most respectful way of saying thank you. 

Classes begin with about 15 minutes of stretching and warm-up exercises designed to get the blood flowing and loosen up the muscles and joints. Once the class is sufficiently warmed-up, the instructor will go into the day’s techniques and practice sessions. 

In between each technique, the class will line-up and take  seiza, face the instructor and watch as he or she instructs.  At the end of class, the instructor will tell the students to fix their gi (training uniform) and line-up.  The students turn to the back of the dojo, arrange their uniforms and belts and line-up in seiza.  The instructor and students will then perform a bow ritual similar to the one that started class.  The exception is that when the instructor and students bow to each other, they say, "Domo arigato gozai mashita" (do-mo ah-ree-gah-toe go-zee mas ta).

Dojo Courtesy…

At Bend Aiki Martial Arts, we follow traditional Japanese dojo etiquette.  Its spirit comes directly from the founder of Aikido and it is the place of the succession of his teachings.  It is the responsibility of each student to act appropriately and to honor those teachings.  You will quickly pick up on many of the customs and courtesies we use during our training, so there is no need to feel intimidated or put off.  

When entering or exiting the mat, face the front wall of the dojo and bow from the hip. This is a traditional sign of respect, recognizing the dojo as a place of learning and honoring those individuals whose hard work built it.

If during class, you need to get a drink of water or need to tend to an injury, you may have to leave the mat. This is perfectly okay, simply inform the instructor before you do so. However, do not leave or enter while the instructor is demonstrating a technique, and be sure to bow when stepping on or off the mat.

Please turn off your cell phone before class begins unless you have need of it for important family or work-related purposes.

It is important to be on time for practice and participate in the opening ceremony.  If you are unavoidably late, bow as you enter onto the mat, assume seiza, formally bow to the shomen, and join class only at Sensei's instruction.  

Aikido students should ensure their finger and toenails are properly trimmed, their bodies and uniforms are kept clean, and all jewelry is removed prior to class. This is as much an aspect of courtesy as it is a major safety factor.

Never go on the mat with shoes on unless told to do so by your instructor.

Respect for your Sensei...

It is necessary to respect the way in which the instructor of the class 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.  The dojo membership is one family and the secret of Aikido is harmony.