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O Sensei's Rules for Aikido Training
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Aikido is a relatively new self-defense art, founded in Japan by Professor Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). As a youth, Ueshiba Sensei, or O-Sensei (Great Teacher) as he was called, applied himself to many arduous years of training in "Budo", or the Japanese martial arts. He was a master of Ju-Jitsu, the spear, and the staff, and was considered unbeatable with the sword. O-Sensei also delved deeply into religion and the meaning of life, studying Zen Buddhism and Shinto. Although he became very strong and won many matches, he was troubled with the idea that winning at someone else's expense was not truly winning. He came to realize that true self-defense was not winning over others - but 'winning over the discord within one's self'. Though he was an acknowledged master, he began to practice movements, exploring them deeply, searching mentally, and sitting for long hours in mediation. As a result, Aikido was born as a way to divert harm from one's self while at the same time not inflicting permanent injury to an aggressor. As Aikido developed, it became clear that it was not only an effective means of self-defense, but a way to understand life through the study of energy flow of the universe.
The word Aikido in Japanese is made up of three characters. The first is Ai, which means 'to meet, to come together, to harmonize'. The second character is Ki, which means 'energy, spirit, mind'. In a larger context, Ki means 'the spirit of the universe', and not just the spirit of human beings. The third and last character is Do, which means 'the way'. It signifies that the study of Aikido does not involve merely self-defense techniques, but includes positive character-building ideals which a person can incorporate into his or her life. These three Japanese characters, Ai Ki Do therefore mean: 'the way of harmonizing with the spirit of the universe'
The most unusual aspect of Aikido is that although it is primarily a self-defense art, it takes as the basis of its philosophy the idea of being in harmony with your opponent rather than being in conflict with him. The idea of Aikido is not to think of defeating your enemy, but rather to be in harmony with him, spiritually, mentally, and physically. This is why Aikido is sometimes called the 'art of non resistance', or the 'non fighting martial art'. However, Aikido is not merely an art of self-defense. Into its techniques are woven elements of philosophy, psychology, body and energy dynamics. As one learns the various arts, they will at the same time training their mind, gain improved health, and develop self-confidence.
As in other Japanese martial arts, Aikido utilizes the Kyu and Dan system of ranking. Generally the student begins at 6th kyu (in Canada) and improves their standings upwards through the kyu ranks until 1st kyu is attained. A white belt is worn throughout the non black belt ranks. After passing a black belt rank they are awarded with Shodan (first degree black belt). A person holding a black belt rank (Yudansha) can also improve their standing from first degree to advanced Dan (black belt) ranks. Because of the nature of Aikido philosophy which promotes harmony and non conflict, tournaments (Shiai) are non existent and instead well executed demonstration of the techniques becomes the criteria for promotion. In addition, consideration is given to the character, attitude and understanding of the principles of Aikido, as well as the seriousness of the student during practice.
Outline of Dojo Etiquette
1. REI (bowing):
There are two ways of bowing:
i) kneeling (more formal)
ii) standing (less formal)
Kneeling Bow is performed:
a) when first stepping onto, and finally leaving the mats.
b) at the formal beginning and ending of the class.
c) to your partner, when beginning and ending practice of a technique.
d) to the Sensei, after demonstration of a technique.
Standing Bow is performed:
a) when entering and leaving the Dojo.
b) when temporarily leaving the returning to the mats.
When in doubt, bow from the kneeling position, since it is the more formal
form.
2. Etiquette Expressions.
The following are five Japanese expressions you will be expected to master:
"ARIGATO GOZAIMASHITA" - thank you very much
"ONEGAISHIMASU" - Please show me your favour
"SUMIMASEN" - I'm sorry/excuse me
"OSHIETE KUDASAI" - Please teach me
"HAI" - Yes
3. General Etiquette and Conduct
Please be punctual: You should be changed and on the mat at least ten
minutes before that start of the class. Take this time to do warm-up
exercises on your own, or practice quietly with other students.
If you happen to be late, get changed and do your warm-ups off the mat. When
you are ready, sit quietly on the edge of the mats, bow to O-Sensei, and
then remain sitting until the Sensei gives you permission to join the class.
If you must leave the mats during class, first ask the Sensei for
permission. Always be alert while on the mats. Careless practice can be
dangerous and cause injury to yourself or to other students.
Keep conversation to a minimum. During practice there should be no
discussion of anything other than Aikido techniques. Try to learn with your
eyes and body, and help each other with the appropriate body movements
rather than with words. If it is necessary to speak, do so in a low voice.
Do not teach fellow students unless specifically asked by the Sensei.
Questions may be asked directly to the Sensei or to one of the senior
students.
Hygiene is very important. Personal hygiene is a reflection of your respect
and attitude toward Aikido, the Sensei, your fellow practitioners, and
yourself. Keep your fingernails and toenails clean and short, to minimize
the chance of cutting yourself or other practitioners. Keep your do-gi clean
and wash it regularly.
Do not wear jewelry during practice.
If you become sick, overtired, or injured, and cannot continue practice, let
your partner and the Sensei know. If you just need a short rest, bow to your
partner and to the Sensei, move to the edge of the mats and sit quietly
watching the class until you are ready to resume practice.
If you have a specific medical problem which may affect your practice,
notify the Sensei of this problem before the class starts.
Voluntary clean-up of the Dojo is encouraged and demonstrates your respect
for Aikido training and for the Dojo.
Being under the umbrella of the Canadian Aikido Federation (CAF) we follow the Grading system set forth by them.
Click here to view CAF grading requirement pdf for all KYU levels
Before embarking on the practice of Aikido, you should be committed to practicing at least two days per week. A person cannot learn the art without consistent and diligent practice. Aikido is not merely an intellectual undertaking. You must put your body on the mat and learn through sweat and hard training. It will not be easy. There will be times when you will not want to practice and will come up with many excuses. You must stand behind your commitment. There are many student of Aikido practicing in the world today. It is highly recommended that before signing up for study, you should go and watch several practices to see if that particular school is right for you. Observe the students and instructors and make an honest decision on whether you would feel comfortable with Aikido and that particular school.
O Sensei's Rules for Aikido Training
1. Aikido decides life and death in a single strike, so students must carefully follow the instructor's teachings and not compete to see who is the strongest.
2. Aikido is the way that teaches how one can deal with several enemies. Students must train themselves to be alert not just to the front, but to all sides and the back.
3. Training should always be conducted in a pleasant and joyful atmosphere.
4. The instructor teaches only a small aspect of the art. Its versatile applications must be discovered by each student through incessant practice and training.
5. In daily practice first begin by moving your body and then progress to more intensive practice. Never force anything unnatural or unreasonable. If this rule is followed, then even elderly people will not hurt themselves and they can train in a pleasant and joyful atmosphere.
6. The purpose of Aikido is to train mind and body and to produce sincere, earnest people, since all the techniques are to be transmitted person to person.
Doshu's addendum to the Rules
1. Proper Aikido can never be mastered unless one strictly follows the instructor's teaching.
2. Aikido as a martial art is perfected by being alert to everything going on around us and leaving no vulnerable opening (Suki).
3. Practice becomes joyful and pleasant once one has trained enough not to be bothered by pain.
4. Do not be satisfied by what is taught at the dojo, one must constantly digest, experiment and develop what one has learned.
5. One should never force anything unnaturally or unreasonably in practice. One should undertake training suited to his body, physical condition and age.
6. The aim of Aikido is to develop the truly human self. It should not be used to display ego.
