🌸Etiquette for Training at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo🌸
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.
・Those with long hair should tie it securely. Instead of a high ponytail, it is safer to tie the hair low or gather it into a bun so it does not get stepped on or hit your partner.
【During Training】
・Training at Hombu Dojo is conducted under the guidance of the instructor, with respect for your partner. Please refrain from unnecessary talking or giving unsolicited explanations of your own methods, and keep your focus on the training.
・When throwing, direct your partner toward the wall side of the dojo. When the dojo is crowded, avoid making large movements to create space; instead, stay aware of your surroundings and train safely.
・When training is divided into two or three groups for throwing practice, those who are not training should observe from outside the tatami. The tatami is for those currently practicing. During observation, please sit in seiza on the wooden floor. If seiza is difficult, some instructors allow sitting cross legged. Observation is also an important part of training, so please watch quietly and learn from the instructor and other practitioners.
・Some instructors allow short breaks for water during class. When drinking, please sit down facing the wall and take your water quietly. Even during breaks, unnecessary talking should be avoided.
・Observation should be done from inside the dojo, not by peeking in from the hallway.
【After Training】
・After class, everyone participates in sweeping and wiping the dojo. Visitors are not considered “guests” in this context, so joining the cleaning is part of proper etiquette. Please be mindful not to get in the way of others while cleaning.
These are the basic points of etiquette. There are also smaller details—such as not pointing the soles of your feet toward the kamidana—but these things naturally become familiar as long as you act with respect toward others and toward the dojo.
If you are unsure about anything, feel free to ask a member; everyone will be happy to help.
For guidance on reception procedures and other manners at Hombu Dojo, the following videos by Konstamikko Korhonen may be helpful:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=8135058026615848
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_ftN45IQ69/
As fellow practitioners of Aikido, I hope we can continue to create an environment where everyone can train comfortably, with kindness and consideration for one another.