Abertillery Aikido Club. Bushinkai.

Dojo Etiquette for Gradings

Always arrive early for practise the night of your grading. Arriving late may result in your grading being cancelled. If you know you are going to be late, make sure you contactthe instructor/grading panel in advance. Your grading will start as soon as you enter the Dojo, so please be aware you will be assessed from that moment in time.

As per normal Dojo Etiquette, ensure your Keikogi is washed and in a good state of repair. Running an iron over your Keikogi is advisable. If you are a Hakama wearer, please ensure it was folded properly from the previous practise, and is in a presentable manner, and tied correctly.

It is Abertillery Aikido clubs policy, not to conduct a warm up before gradings. It is your responsibility to arrive early and warm up before your grading starts. This must be done insilence, with no talking to other candidates. When the grading panel is ready, the lesson will begin. You should line up your Zori against the edge of the tatami opposite the Kamiza. If you are arriving late, you will need to wait until one of the grading panel signals you to step on to the Tatami with the rest of the class.

Once the class has been formally opened, the names of the first candidates will be called out. As your name is read out, you need to acknowledge the panel by bowing, and then making your way to the front of the Tatami. This can either be done by walking, or Shikko (knee walking). Once the panel is ready, the candidate/s will bow with the panel, then turn to their Uke and bow to them. The formal grading has now begun. You will perform all techniques the panel has asked you to do. Once you have completed these to the panel.s satisfaction, you will kneel while the other candidates are carrying on with their techniques. Once they have caught up, the grading will continue.

Once the panel is satisfied the grading has been completed, they will indicate the formal grading has finished. You will be asked to bow to your partner. You will then turn and face the grading panel. You will then bow with the grading panel. A member of the panel will thank the candidates, and you should then proceed to bow to the panel a final time. You arethen free to return to your original position on the outer edge of the tatami. The grading is still in progress, and others will be graded at the same time. You must show respect, by watching the rest of the grading in silence.

When the panel is happy the gradings have been completed, the whole class will be advised the grading is over. Normal class will then resume. You may be given a few minutes rest to have a drink, you may from this point onwards, talk to other candidates.

All results will be read out at the end of the class. If you have been successful, your grading licence will be stamped up, and a certificate will be issued by the following practice. If you have been unsuccessful, you will be advised of the new date to re-sit your grading. This is normally within 8 weeks.

Following these basic rules will help you not to fall fowl of any breach of Dojo etiquette. It is very important you familiarise yourself with the etiquette required. If you are still unsure, please seek guidance from a senior.