Dojo Etiquette and Safety

We are dealing with a martial art — life and death.  There is no place for
playing or immature thought.  Every person coming through the gate of
the dojo enters of his or her own free will.  (Dojo is an ordinary Japanese
word; do means “the way,” and jo means “place” – so it is the “place of
the way” or martial arts training hall).  That is not to say we don’t have
fun; Aikido practice is enjoyable and stimulating, as is life.  Proper Aikido
practice should be ennobling, building character and spirit.  

Upon entering the dojo, we bow to the front or place of honor.  This
signifies that we will follow the rules of budo (martial arts), and it formally
begins the process of leaving your regular life and its problems and
distractions behind.  Upon stepping onto the floor of the dojo, we again
bow to the front (the shomen), showing respect for the art – the dojo and
its teachers and colleague-students.  Here again, our outside life moves
farther from mind, and we start focusing on the art – in this case, Aikido.  
If we are not focused, we will be a danger to ourselves and to others.  

When class starts, we line up and bow to the front – indicating respect to
our teachers and seniors who practiced arduously to perfect the art and
pass it down to us, and then the students and teacher bow to each other,
shouting “onegai shimasu!” – please practice with me (teach me, do me
this favor)!”  (Typically, in the U.S. we shout “good morning, afternoon, or
evening” at the start of class.)  These bows mean that the etiquette of the
dojo and art will be obeyed.  This completes the formal acclimation
process.  Warm ups also clear the mind, as well as loosen and
strengthen the body.  

When class ends, we first straighten our uniforms, then line up and bow
to the front, and finally the teacher and students bow to each other,
shouting “arigatou gozaimashita!” – thank you very much!  When leaving
the floor, we bow out, and similarly when leaving the building, usually
shouting “good-bye!”  

During practice, one does not walk between the instructor and the
shomen, and of course one does not walk between two people who are
practicing.   When handling weapons, do so with respect.  Never lean on
your weapon or step on or over it.  If you give a weapon to someone, do
it earnestly and carefully –showing that the action has your full intent and
concentration.