Abertillery Aikido Club. Bushinkai.

Although there is already a Dojo Etiquette section on this site, this page hopes to clear up any topics which do not appear on the main page, or something which needs to be stressed!This page will probably look more like a personal moaning page, but I will list the things I would like to see every student follow. Falling foul of the topics on this page will catch my eye, and a word in your ear will follow!

Punctuality.

It is the responsibility of every student to make sure you arrive on time to practice every week. If you know you might be late, especially in advance, you need to tell someone. Arriving for class in time, but not having changed is also not acceptable! You must be present and correctly dressed to practice. If you are continually late for practice on a weekly basis, you will be spoken too.

Keikogi.

It does not take five minutes to run an iron over your Keikogi, always make sure you are presentable for class. If you are a Hakama wearer, you need to make sure it is properly folded after every practice. This can either be done on the Tatami after class, or at home. Again, if you look scruffy, you will be spoken too.

Hakama.

There is no formal rule when a Hakama may be worn. Most students prefer to wait until either Shodan level, or high Kyu grade. If you are a low grade and would like to wear Hakama, you need to speak to the instructor about it. This however does not mean it can be worn outside of the Dojo. Most clubs still consider Dan grade level to wear a Hakama, so you would most probably be asked to remove it.

Weapons.

All weapons need to be brought to every class, even though you know they will not be required. You must inspect them on a regular basis, to insure they are in a good state of repair. If you require any help or advice in the care of your Jo/Bokken or Tanto, you need to consult your instructor. Weapons must be carried in a suitable case, and only on the nights you intend to train. You may fall fowl of the law if they are found in your possession on a non training night, and you are not travelling to or from training.

Zori.

All students must wear something on their feet, when not on the Tatami. I do not want to see anyone walking around bare foot! I have seen people in other Dojo's going in to the toilets with nothing on their feet, which is unacceptable! A pair of flip flops are very cheap and easy to get hold of. If you want to buy a proper pair of Japanese Zori, these can be obtained from Blitz.

Training in other Dojo's.

It has never been a policy of Abertillery Aikido Club to prevent any student from training in another club. In fact, it is positively encouraged. It is a common courtesy that you inform your instructor that you are training somewhere else.

Closed Dojo Policy.

Recently, a message has appeared on the homepage of this site. It states the club is a closed Dojo. What does this mean? A closed Dojo is one which is not agreeable to anyone just turning up out of the blue. This normally relates to established students and Instructors from other clubs and associations. The Dojo participants prefer to train away from other outside influences, and politics. It is normal Dojo etiquette for non members to seek permission from the Dojo-Cho to attend the class, or to arrive for association business. If this permission is not sort, then the persons arrival would be frowned upon. If any student is approached by a student of another Dojo, they either need to contact the Dojo-Cho themselves, or ask the party concerned to contact the Dojo-Cho direct. Do not invite them yourselves, as this can cause problems. Follow the correct procedure at all times.

Respect for your Teacher.

Each instructor should trust their students, and this trust should be equally be given back to their Instructor. The first and last point of contact should always be your instructor. If you are having difficulties, you must confide in your instructor. No one can help you, if you don't speak up and say what is wrong. No one should ever feel afraid to seek advice, as they are always there to help what ever the topic may be.

Corresponding With High Grade Instructors.

Whether you feel you need to email, or write to a high grade Instructor, many aspects need to be followed. You must first of all remember their standing within the Aikido community. Secondly, you must respect their grade and ability. You do not chat with them, as if you have known them for years, nor do you treat the message as a friend! All correspondence must be acted upon with the utmost respect, and treated on a formal basis. If for any reason you are contacted by such an individual, and you are unsure how to proceed, you must contact the club Instructor immediately. Do not try and answer it yourself. Seek guidance. To act alone, and cause offence, will tarnish not only your own reputation, but also the good name of your club/Dojo.

Gradings.

Abertillery Dojo has strict policy on gradings. They normally only happen once a year, so it is quite disrespectful to ask! You will be told if you are going for a grading, wait for the invite. There is a Dojo Etiquette listing for gradings on this site, which everyone should read. New students who join the Dojo, and have gained a rank from another source will need to present documentation received from the other organisation. On most occasions, the grade will be recognised. Although this will not always be the case. You will need to seek advice. Abertillery Dojo operates the colour system, of Yellow - brown belt. This will not change.

Receiving Instruction.

Abertillery Dojo has always had an open door policy to all students. It is a requirement that all students follow the instruction given. We only follow one way of weapon training, and this will not change. Students need to be mindful of not straying from the technique shown, and always respect the person taking the class. It is very disrespectful to do your own thing!

Tatami.

The Tatami (mat area) is there for you to train on. If you abuse the tatami, or not look after it, we will not have anything to train on. Always make a point of wearing your Zori or flip flops when you are not training. Ensure you know where to leave your Zori in respect of the four sides of the mat. Check the Dojo page on this site for more information. Always check your feet are clean, and toenails are short. If you see any of the mats have parted, it is your responsibility to put them back in place! If you notice any holes, splits or tares in the mat surface, bring it to the attention of the Instructor immediately.

Mat fees.

Abertillery Aikido club has always trusted it's students to pay mat fees, without anyone collecting them. It is accepted that all students pay their fee in to the tin, and collect the correct change. If this trust is abused, the guilty party will be spoken too. All students are aware of the fee to be paid. If for any reason you are not in a position to pay the full fee, we would prefer you to continue practicing at a reduce amount. This will be arranged via the Instructor. We would like all students to continue with their study, than not turn up due to financial hardship. If you find yourself in this position, please see the Instructor for help.

Insurance.

It is the sole responsibility of every student to ensure their personal insurance cover is up to date. It is not up to the Instructor to remind or chase a student for payment! When you know your insurance is due, please supply the Instructor with the correct fee in cheque form two weeks before the expiry date. If your insurance has expired, you will not be allow to train until the payment has been received. Please be mindful of this, and check on a regular basis when your payment is required.

Course Attendance.

The club has changed direction, and joined a local association so all students have the opportunity to train on external courses. These courses are there for your personal advancement. No low grade will be forced to participate on any course. All mid to high Kyu grades are expected to attend at least two courses per year. This is not a recommendation, it is a requirement! If any student fails to follow this procedure, you will be spoken too!Aikido training is hard, but must also have a degree of enjoyment attached. If you read and follow the Dojo Etiquette set down for the club, you will never have to come in to contact, or fall foul of the Instructor. The club's instructor is always vigilant, and will spot a minor or major infringement. Don't ever think for one minute you will ever get away with anything, as you won't! These rules are there for a purpose. Follow them.