Dojo Rules and Criteria

IRAN AIKIDO MEISEI KAI Dojo Rules and Regulations

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AIKIDO is not a sport. It is a discipline, an educational process for training the mind, body, and spirit. An Aikido dojo is not a gymnasium. It is the place where the way of the discipline is revealed. Physical technique is not the final objective, but a tool for personal refinement and spiritual growth. The correct attitudes of respect, sincerity, and modesty combined with the proper atmosphere are essential to the learning process. And as AIKIDO is a martial way, they are essential to the safety of each individual. The following rules are necessary to the maintenance of this atmosphere and vital to your study of AIKIDO.

“AIKIDO determines life and death in a single strike. For this reason the students must carefully observe what the instructor teaches and not compete to see who is the strongest. AIKIDO is an art that teaches how to stand against multiple opponents. The students must train themselves to be aware of attacks not only from the front, but also from all sides and the back.

• Training must always be continued in a pleasant and joyful atmosphere.
• The instructor teaches only a small part of the art. His various moves must be discovered by each student through unceasing work and practice.
• Start your daily practice by moving your body, then proceed to more intensive training. Do not strain your body unnaturally or unreasonably.
• The objective of AIKIDO is to train the mind and the body to create sincere and honest people. As the techniques are transmitted from person to person, do not show them indiscriminately to everyone; this may give way to their use by rogues.”

The Ethical Charter and Code of Conduct of Hombu Dojo are in below links:

Hombu Ethical Charter of AIKIDO

Hombu AIKIDO Code of Conduct

In this regard, the Iran AIKIDO MEISEI KAI announces its dojo rules and etiquettes for information and acceptance of Instructors and Students in all dojos in IRAN.

1. When entering the dojo, Salute is essential for all people.
2. Salute towards the shomen when entering and exiting the tatami. For entering and exiting from tatami, taking permission is required from the Sensei.
3. Respect the training tools. The Gi (dojo clothes) must be clean and folded. The weapons must be in good condition and at their places when not used.
4. Using perfumes, colognes and body sprays is required before starting training
5. In case found that inappropriate cloths used or bad body odor, the student will be prevented from continuing to practice and if this happened for three times, the registration will be canceled for current month.
6. Before coming to dojo and start training take a shower and make sure your body and hair is perfectly clean.
7. Using mouth freshener tablets before starting training is highly recommended.
8. Using color belt is only allowed for the ages below 15. All the other trainers must wear white belt till reach to brown belt.
9. Never apply the AIKIDO techniques outside dojo unless otherwise required in preserving life, honor and fatherland.
10. Never abuse someone by your martial status and always be ethical in this regard.
11. Since the teacher status is very noble and respected, so the teachers never allowed to abuse by their authority in dealing with the students or other teachers.
12. Teachers are never allowed to request registration fee more than specified, as observed and reported, his/her training license will be canceled.
13. If you have long hair, so close them before starting a workout that would not create a nuisance in your view.
14. Never use another’s Gi or weapons.
15. A few minutes before the lesson you must have warmed up and must be waiting at the formal seating, meditating to clear your mind of the day’s problems.
16. It is important to come to the lesson on time and attend the opening ceremony. If you could not avoid being late, sit formally near the tatami until the Sensei gives you a sign of permission. Entering the tatami, sit down silently and salute.
17. The only correct way to sit on the tatami is seiza (formal seating). If you have a knee injury or disability, you can sit cross-legged, but never sit stretching your legs, reclining or leaning your back.
18. Do not leave the tatami other than in case of injury or sickness.
19. Sit silently and carefully in the formal manner while the Sensei is demonstrating a technique during the lesson. After the demonstration salute the Sensei and a partner and immediately start training.
20. When the end of a technique is indicated stop immediately, salute your partner and get in a line with the other students.
21. Never remain idle on the tatami. You must be training or waiting for your turn in seiza.
22. If you need to ask the Sensei a question, go up to him and salute him standing. Never call the Sensei to your side.
23. While receiving personal instruction sit in seiza and watch carefully. Salute formally when the Sensei has finished. If someone close to you is receiving instruction you may stop training and listen. While observing sit in seiza and when finished salute formally.
24. Respect those who are more experienced than you are. Never enter a discussion on the technique.
25. Respect those who are less experienced than you are. Do not try to assert your thoughts on them.
26. If you understand the movement and your partner does not, you may help them with the technique. However, unless you have obtained permission to do so, never correct their mistakes or give them instruction.
27. Minimize speaking on the tatami. AIKIDO is experience.
28. Finger and toenails must be trimmed. The feet must be clean. Shoes and slippers may never be worn on the tatami.
29. During the lesson it is forbidden to eat, drink, smoke etc. on or off the tatami. In case smoking in dojo observed, the student registration for current semester will be cancelled.
30. All kinds of accessories including rings and earrings are forbidden during the lesson.
31. We train so that we do not endanger anyone. We demand our Uke and Shite
    According to their ability, so that they can develop further.
32. It is each student’s responsibility to pay dues on time.
33. Talking on a cell phone is forbidden at the training. If you have some extremely urgent matter, ask the permission of the sensei and then make your call having left the tatami. During all the time of training, all cellphones must be turned-off or kept in silent mode.
34. It is necessary to clean the dojo before and after the training. Everyone must keep the dojo clean and tidy.
35. Any deviation from the rules could cause cancellation of student registration during current semester and in case the deviations observed for three time, the disciplinary committee will be decide regarding the student extension registration.
36. All dojos are required to take the read and accept forms of Dojo Rules and registration criteria from all students at the start of all registration and course renewal every one month.
37. Please do not feel bad if you are warned about etiquette, as they are important for your safety and your learning experience.