Reishiki

Meaning of the bow

The bow (rei) is the basic form of showing respect in Japanese culture and in Aikido. It is not just a polite gesture, but an expression of acknowledgment and gratitude. When we bow to our partner, we thank them for the opportunity to train together. When we bow to our instructor, we thank them for the knowledge they share with us.

Types of bows

Dojo is not just a training room - it is a place where we practice the Way (Do). Therefore, it should be treated with respect.

Entering the Dojo:

• Bow toward the kamidana (shrine) or portrait of O-Sensei at the entrance
• Leave footwear outside the mat, arranged neatly
• Remove jewelry, watches - they can injure someone
• Enter the mat barefoot (without shoes and socks)
• Go at your own pace if you are late - wait for instructor's permission before entering

On the mat:

• Always be aware of your surroundings - do not turn your back to the center of the mat without reason
• Do not lean against walls, do not sit absentmindedly
• Always sit in seiza or in agura (crossed legs) - never extend your legs
• Do not walk across the mat without purpose - always have intention
• Do not sit with feet pointing toward the kamidana or instructor

Leaving the Dojo:

• Wait for the closing bow of the training
• Thank the partners you trained with
• Bow when leaving the mat
• Leave the mat and dojo in better condition than you found it

The training uniform (gi or keikogi) is not just clothing - it is a uniform representing your commitment to practice.

Basic uniform:

• Uwagi (上着): White kimono jacket, tied on the left
• Zubon (ズボン): White or black pants
• Obi (帯): Belt - white for kyu, black for dan
• Hakama (袴): Skirt-pants - traditionally for yudansha (black belt), but some dojo allow it earlier

Care of the uniform:

• The uniform should always be clean and neat
• Repair frays and holes - do not train in torn gi
• The belt should not be washed - according to tradition, it stores the "spirit" of your practice
• Fold hakama properly after training (traditional method)

Rules on the mat:

• Never adjust your uniform standing with your back to the center of the mat - turn to the edge
• If your belt comes untied, fix it quickly but with respect
• Do not walk on the mat with improperly worn uniform

Sensei (先生) - Teacher

Sen = before, Sei = born. "One who was born earlier" - a person who has walked the path before you.

• Always address the instructor as "Sensei", not by name (unless Sensei asks otherwise)
• Listen carefully when Sensei demonstrates a technique
• Do not interrupt the demonstration with questions - note your question and ask after the demonstration
• When Sensei corrects you, thank them ("Arigatou gozaimasu") and apply the correction
• Do not argue with Sensei - if you have doubts, ask after training

Sempai (先輩) - Senior

Sen = before, Pai = companion. A person who has been training longer than you.

• Respect sempai - they have more experience
• If sempai shows you something, accept it with gratitude
• Sempai is not your opponent, but your guide
• Do not treat sempai's advice as criticism, but as help in development

Kohai (後輩) - Junior

If you are sempai to someone, remember:

• Help the juniors with patience - you were once in their place
• Show an example of proper behavior
• Never use your position to abuse juniors
• It is a privilege to be able to help someone - not an obligation for juniors to listen to you

Start of training:

1. Everyone sits in seiza in line by rank (highest on the right side)
2. Instructor calls "Shomen ni rei" - bow toward kamidana/O-Sensei
3. Instructor calls "Sensei ni rei" - bow to the instructor
4. Everyone answers "Onegaishimasu" (お願いします) - "Please teach me"

During exercises:

• Choosing a partner: Train with various partners - everyone has something different to teach
• As Uke (受け): Attack sincerely but safely. Do not sabotage your partner's technique, but do not play dead
• As Nage/Tori (投げ/取り): Respect your partner's body. Technique should work without causing harm
• Pace: Adjust pace to your partner - faster with advanced students, slower with beginners
• When learning a new technique: Practice slowly, precisely. Speed will come with time
• Questions: If you don't understand something, ask your partner or sempai. If that doesn't help, wait for a break and ask Sensei
• Observing: When Sensei demonstrates a technique to another pair, if you are nearby - sit in seiza and observe
• Breaks: There are no water breaks without permission. If you need to leave (injury, bathroom), approach Sensei and ask permission

End of training:

1. Everyone sits in seiza
2. Short meditation (mokuso) - closed eyes, calm breathing
3. Instructor calls "Sensei ni rei"
4. Everyone answers "Domo arigatou gozaimashita" (どうもありがとうございました) - "Thank you very much"
5. After the bow, approach Sensei and thank them individually
6. Thank your training partners

Dojo etiquette is not arbitrary rules, but the wisdom of generations encoded in form:

• The bow: Teaches humility and conscious beginning/ending - every action has intention
• Seiza: Teaches patience and comfort in discomfort - life is not always comfortable
• Silence: Teaches observation and listening - a wise warrior observes before acting
• Respect for partner: Teaches that the "enemy" is in reality a teacher
• Respect for place: Teaches that environment affects practice - you want to train in a clean, calm place
• Hierarchy: Not about power, but about learning structure - juniors learn from seniors, seniors protect juniors