Aikido - The Way of Harmony of the Spirit
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The word dojo means "way place"... a place where one studies the Way. The dojo is a training ground, both battlefield and sanctuary, which provides a safe environment in which to challenge ourselves through consistent Budo training.
Since human beings are all unique individuals it follows that our paths through life and Aikido will be different as well. Every human being has had a different experience of life. Aikido training gives us a common ground on which to find our personal path among friends. We each recognize the difficulties of following the Way, and we all respect each other for walking it. This is the foundation of courtesy and respect that is an essential component of traditional teaching.
Courtesy is more than form - it is the critical ingredient for insuring physical, emotional and spiritual safety. Traditional etiquette indicates that standing or kneeling bows are appropriate in a variety of circumstances including: beginning and ending classes, before and after practicing with a partner, and entering or leaving the mat or the dojo.
Each time you bow you have an opportunity to express the respect and caring you have for your training, your partners and yourself. It is commonly accepted in the martial arts that one can tell the level of technical and spiritual development of an individual by observing them bow.
Dojo Etiquette
