Dojo Etiquette

River City Aikido Dojo is modeled on traditional Japanese dojo culture for the purpose of
maintaining martial spirit and providing the highest quality training possible.  Etiquette provides a
structure for rigorous training, respect, and safety, without which martial arts training becomes
diluted and sometimes dangerous.  Adherence to the culture of dojo etiquette is an essential
component in your relationship to sensei and to the dojo.

Kohai-Sempai-Sensei relationship
  • Always address sensei (the instructor) as “sensei”.
  • Always address another sensei (someone visiting) as “sensei”.
  • Always refer to another sensei by saying “Tim Sensei” or “Sheldon Sensei”.
  • When sensei gives corrections or instruction, deshi (students) should respond with “hai,
    sensei” or “thank you, sensei” and bow.
  • Sempai (more senior student) must always take care of kohai (more junior student), and
    strive to create a culture of safety and trust in the dojo.
  • Kohai must always take care of their sempai as a way of showing respect and thanks for the
    mentoring they receive.
  • Sempai must always role model exemplary behavior and attitude for kohai in an appropriate
    and respectful way, teach etiquette, and maintain dojo expectations.
  • When training, sempai should role model proper technique as nonverbally as possible.  It is
    not sempai’s role to teach or give corrections about techniques on the mat unless a kohai
    specifically asks.  
  • Kohai should listen to sempai and incorporate suggestions in a respectful manner.

Proper attire and hygiene
  • Always wear a clean gi (uniform).
  • Do not wear perfume or cologne, or have a strong scent on your clothes or body.
  • Do not wear colored t-shirts under your gi.  
  • Keep your toenails and fingernails cut to a safe length.
  • Come to class with a clean body, feet, and hands.
  • Keep your hair safely out of the way.
  • Do not chew gum or have anything in your mouth during training.
  • Do not wear jewelry, watches, etc. because it may be broken or scratch your partners.

During training
  • Arrive early and be on the mat before sensei.  Be lined up in seiza (kneeling) on the mat 3-4
    minutes before class begins.  
  • Bow before entering and leaving the training area.
  • Bow to your partner before and after training.
  • Keep a positive mental attitude and martial spirit.
  • Train intensely and safely.
  • Limit talking—communicate nonverbally and listen to your partner physically.
  • Do not leave the mat except for emergencies.  If you are injured leave the mat—do not lay
    on the mat or sit on the mat.
  • If you are waiting to train, practice individually.  Do not stand idle.
  • Do not talk or cause distraction while sensei is instructing.
  • Sit with focus on the edge of the mat in seiza while sensei is instructing.
  • When sensei is done instructing he will say “Hai, dozo” or “Onagaeshimas” and deshi bow
    and respond “Onagaeshimas”
  • It is prohibited to use force or strength to prevent a technique from being completed.
  • At the end of practice, the class bows and says “domo arigato gozai mashita” which means
    thank you very much in a formal way.

Soji (Chores)
  • Deshi will put dojo duties before their own needs.  This means taking care of your personal
    needs ahead of time, or waiting to take care of your personal needs until later, so that you
    can be ready for sensei and the dojo.
  • Deshi should always perform dojo duties with purpose (hustle), seriousness (do a good job),
    and positive attitude (have fun and take pride in your work).
  • A kohai should offer to relieve a sempai of a duty if the kohai is done with his duties.
  • Deshi should take initiative to take care of chores that are obvious but not typical.
  • Deshi should consult with one another about the chores that need to be done, and the dai-
    sempai (senior student present) will insure that chores are delegated and assigned
    appropriately.
  • The dai-sempai communicates with sensei about needed tasks.

Other
  • Always turn your pagers, phones, etc to silent mode during practice.  If you are on call,
    please notify sensei, in case the pager goes off.
  • Do not take photos or video unless you have permission from sensei.
  • Do not bring children to class.  It is a safety issue.
  • Harassment of any kind will result in immediate dismissal from class.
  • Discrimination or disrespect towards race, culture, religion, or sexual orientation will not be
    tolerated.


Dojo Etiquette