The Practice

Equipment

Each student must provide his or her own gi (uniform) and zori (sandals or other footwear).

The student should not be barefoot EXCEPT on the mat. No footwear of any kind should be worn on the mat. As well, ALL jewellery should be removed before practising.

A trial class can be taken in any loose clothing without buckles that covers the knees and elbows, such as a sweatsuit.

If you wish to participate in the weapons class, you must provide your own bokken (wooden sword), jo (short staff) and tanto (wooden knife). The dojo usually has these items for sale, or can arrange to procure them for you.

Etiquette

The traditional etiquette of Japanese martial arts will be observed in our dojo at all times.

Bowing

Bowing is an important part of Budo etiquette. Please note that this bowing has no religious significance.

Students should perform a standing bow when they walk in the dojo door.

They should perform a seated bow when first stepping on the mat.

When the students line up as class begins, they should perform a seated bow of respect

in unison to the portrait of O-Sensei at the front of the room, and then to the instructor.

They should perform a seated bow to each partner, before and after practicing with them.

At the end of class, it is time for another seated bow in unison to the portrait of

O-Sensei, and then to the instructor.

After class, it is customary to perform a seated bow to each person you have

practiced with and thank them.

Aikido cannot be learned with the month. It is important to practice as intensely as you can at your level, so the distraction to your own partner and to nearby students caused by speaking should be avoided where possible. Don't speak unless it is necessary or you are asking a question of the instructor. And please don't speak while the instructor is speaking

Sensei

Sensei basically means "teacher," but it is also a polite form of address. At the very least, the person instructing the class should be addressed as Sensei and his or her instructions noted carefully and followed to the best of your ability.
When you call your teacher Sensei, you are acknowledging the "contract" between you; your teacher has an obligation to help you progress quickly in exchange for your attentiveness and hard work.

Sempai

Senior students are called "sempai." Such a student normally will be three or four ranks higher than you are. They have a responsibility to help you learn the culture of the dojo. If a sempai offers you advice or asks for your help with a dojo task, please cooperate fully.

Other points

Do not practice if you are intoxicated, angry, or injured.

Make sure that your gi and your body are clean before practice.

Each student is responsible for helping to lay down and take up the mats.

Every student is responsible for helping to keep the dojo clean.

If you become injured or must leave the mat for any reason, please consult the instructor

immediately.

Fighting is strictly forbidden. Also, please avoid competitive practice and wrestling. Perform

all techniques exactly as demonstrated.

Back to Top

Testing and Ranking

Aikidoists go through a progression of ranks, starting with Gokyu (fifth rank, the lowest rank) through Ikkyu (first rank), and on through black belt ranks from Shodan (first degree black belt) and up.
Since there is no competition, coloured belts are unnecessary and are not worn.
Since there is no competition or judging, black-belt students wear the hakama, the loosely fitting black or blue pants worn in most traditional Japanese martial arts.

For testing , Quinte Aikikai use the New York Aikikai Schedule which can be found here
New students and visitors, need to sign a waiver before joining the class.

Back to Top