From April to May, the Aiki Jinja Annual Grand Festival, the All Japan Aikido Demonstration, and several international seminars held in Japan brought many aikidoka from both within the country and abroad to the Aikikai Hombu Dojo. It was a lively and inspiring time, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to train together with so many wonderful practitioners.

Those who visit the Hombu Dojo regularly may already be familiar with the etiquette here, but for first time visitors, some customs may differ from those of your home dojo and feel a little unfamiliar.

The etiquette at Hombu Dojo is not posted on the walls; rather, it has been passed down carefully from member to member over many years. Below are a few points that may be helpful.

【About Personal Appearance】 

・Women are asked to wear a white T shirt or tank top under the gi to ensure the chest area is not exposed. Since Aikido is practiced by people of all ages and genders, creating an environment where everyone can focus comfortably is important. We kindly ask men to be mindful of keeping the chest area covered. Choosing to wear a T-shirt underneath is a great option.

・All accessories should be removed. Just as jewelry is prohibited in martial arts competitions, this is an important measure to prevent injuries to yourself and your partner.

合気会本部道場では、4月から5月にかけて合気神社例大祭、全日本合気道演武大会、そして国内で開催された国際セミナーなどが続き、国内外から多くの合気道家の皆様がいらっしゃいました。いつも以上ににぎやかな雰囲気の中で、一緒に稽古をさせていただけたことに心から感謝しています。

何度も本部道場に来て稽古されている方々はすでに本部での礼儀をご存じかと思いますが、初めていらっしゃる方にとっては所属道場との違いに戸惑われることもあるかもしれません。
本部道場での礼儀は掲示されているものではなく、会員から会員へと受け継がれてきた大切な習慣です。ここでは、その一部を少しご紹介します。

【身だしなみについて】

・女性は道着の中に白いTシャツやタンクトップなどを着て、胸元が見えないように配慮します。合気道は老若男女がともに稽古を行うため、互いが集中できる環境づくりが大切です。男性も胸元が開きすぎないよう心掛け、Tシャツを着る方もいます。

・アクセサリー類はすべて外します。格闘技の試合でアクセサリーが禁止されているのと同じく、自分や相手を怪我から守るための大切な配慮です。

Today, I’m planning to meet up with my local friends and others in the morning, and they’ve kindly offered to take us sightseeing.

As I was getting ready and munching on a banana, I suddenly felt a slight discomfort in my throat…

Not a great sign.

Maybe I caught something during the training the day before the trip, when I practiced with a friend who had just arrived from overseas. Or perhaps it was from the noisy young people on yesterday’s train.

Either way, it seems quite possible that I picked up a bit of a cold.

I’m always a little vulnerable to overseas bugs, and even though the trip has only just begun, I already have something to worry about.

We’re supposed to meet at 9 a.m. in central Prague.

Google Maps showed several routes, but I chose the tram since it didn’t require any transfers.

On May 23, 2026, I took part in the 63rd All Japan Aikido Demonstration held at the Nippon Budokan. This year as well, I participated not only as a performer but also as a volunteer, helping with security staff duties. I’d like to share a glimpse of how the day unfolded.

Although the opening ceremony began at noon, Mike—who was in charge of security outside the venue before and after the event—had to gather at 7:30 a.m.

I was assigned to the women’s changing room and wasn’t required until 8:00, but I decided to head there together with him.

I left home before 7:00 and arrived at Kudanshita Station a little after 7:15, where I saw a few people in suits already walking around.

The morning temperature was 13°C, and even during the day it stayed below 20°C—a rather chilly day. Still, thanks to the warm weather we’d had recently, the greenery around the Budokan moat was lush and vibrant, giving off a sense of early summer.

At the entrance, a large sign was already set up, and people waiting for friends were gathered around.

I ran into several acquaintances there and was surprised to learn that everyone had arrived early despite the official 8:00 meeting time.