Seminars
Aikido thrives on seminars. The exchange with the international aikido community is an important element of one's own development in the martial art: experienced teachers convey new perspectives on aikido principles and techniques, and practising with people from other dojos or styles helps to expand one's own skills - and to create lasting friendships.
For a good seminar experience, it is helpful to internalise the etiquette, especially if the teachers are Japanese senseis.
Preparation
- Familiarise yourself with the seminar conditions early on and read the flyer to be prepared for special circumstances (registration required? more than one training location? etc.).
- Plan your arrival so that you are fully changed and on the mat at least 30 minutes before the start.
- Important for the packing list:
- Sufficient fresh keikogis for all classes
- Sandals
- Drink for the break
- Aikido passport to register the seminar (recommended)
- Seminar fee (in the case of cash payment)
At the Beginning of Class
- Turn off your mobile phone.
- Always wear your sandals after changing. Never walk barefoot outside the mat.
- Bow to the shomen when entering the hall.
- When entering the mat sit down in seiza, bow to the shomen, then to the centre of the mat.
- Be aware of where sensei is and treat him/her attentively and respectfully.
- Kneel in line a few minutes before the session starts and sit still until sensei opens the class.
- If you train in Japan, be prepared that changing partners during class is not common there.
Late Arrival
What if you are late after all?
There are different expectations depending on the teacher. In general, it is a good idea to wait standing outside the edge of the mat and make eye contact with sensei. Sometimes he/she will make a gesture inviting you to come onto the mat. For smaller courses, you can ask to enter the mat with an audible “onegai-shimasu!”.
Enter the mat only after sensei has finished explaining. Remember to greet the shomen first before joining the group.
Conduct during Class
The purpose of your attending the seminar is for you to learn something new - keep an open mind, observe closely and avoid repeating only what you think you know.
- Watch carefully how sensei demonstrates the technique and try to copy all the details of the movement (the form will most likely be different from what you are used to).
- Practice with the people sitting next to you, regardless of their grade. If everyone has already formed pairs, you can join a group as the third person with a friendly “onegai-shimasu!”.
- Only practise what is shown and avoid highfalls if they have not been asked for.
- Practice quietly and with concentration.
- Pay attention to what is happening around you and be considerate of other practitioners nearby.
- Give your training partners the best ukemi, even if their execution of the technique feels unfamiliar.
- Remain silent and cooperative, and never correct your partner.
- If your training partner causes you pain, point it out clearly but respectfully.
- When sensei comes to your group and explains something, sit in seiza and observe carefully.
- When sensei leaves your group, bow to thank for the explanation.
- It is generally okay to approach sensei and ask a question if he/she is nearby.
- If you are called forward by sensei, answer with a loud “hai!” and walk forward quickly. (It is not necessary to bow).
- If sensei explains something while you are in front, kneel down.
- As soon as sensei calls a new uke, quickly return to the line.
- Never leave the mat during training; if this is necessary due to injury, go to sensei and inform him/her.
- If you need a break, kneel at the edge of the mat.
- Do not drink during training. Make sure you drink enough fluids before training and during breaks.
These points are particularly important in order to avoid cultural misunderstandings:
- Always sit upright in seiza or cross-legged if you have knee problems. Other sitting positions are considered impolite (no outstretched legs, no casual leaning, no leaning against walls). Avoid sitting with your back to the shomen.
- Try to find a sitting position that allows you a good view of sensei's demonstration. (Not all senseis welcome participants in the back rows standing up for a better view).
- Never cross your arms: in Japan this is considered an expression of hostility and a provocation.
- Keep a neutral expression on your face during sensei's demonstration, even if a funny situation arises. For a Japanese sensei, laughing or smiling can be misunderstood as making fun of him/her.
- Never clap your hands; this is the signal to end the training.
At the End of Class
- After the mutual bow, wait until sensei has gone to the edge of the mat before you get up yourself.
- Then thank your ukes - or at least the last uke - by seeking them out and bowing to them.
- When leaving the mat, bow to the shomen in seiza.
- Bow to the shomen when leaving the hall.
