Abertillery Aikido Club. Bushinkai.

The area or hall where Aikido students & their instructor gather is called the Dojo. The origin of the meaning of the Dojo comes from the Buddhist religion. It is a hall in which monks practice the disciplines of meditation, concentration, and breathing exercises.

Kamiza. The Kamiza or upper seat is normally reserved for the instructor, or visiting teachers. This area should also hold the photograph of O'Sensei, and/or the head instructor of the Dojo's affiliated governing body.

Joseki. The Joseki or Upper side is normally used by the senior or high ranking students of the Dojo. Honoured guests & visiting teachers may also use this side if they are lower ranked by more senior visiting Dan grades. The edge of the tatami in this area is reserved for the instructors Zori (slippers) and honoured guests and teachers. Lower ranked students Zori should be place against the Tatami in the Shimoza side. Opposite the Kamiza.

Shimoseki. The Shimoseki or right side of the Tatami is normally only used if the Kamiza area is being used for a ceremonial occasion. At the start of class, the instructor will use the Joseki side of the Tatami, and the students will sit opposite on the Shimoseki side. The class will start and finish by facing the Kamiza as usual.

Shimoza. The Shimoza end, opposite the Kamiza is, is the normal place for students to meet, and line up in grade order for the beginning and end of class. The lowest grade will start at the Shimoseki end of the tatami, and line up consecutively to the right of that person. If there are too many people for one line, and new line will start from the Shimoseki side as before. Dan grade students, will normally start an individual line of their own, in front of the Kyu grades. Each Dan grade level will make a separate line for their grade. Senior Dan grades will sit on the Joseki side as stated above.

Dojo etiquette differs from Dojo to Dojo. The above is observed at Abertillery Aikido Club. If any student is unsure where they should sit, they need to take advice from a senior grade.