The following guidelines help create a positive and safe atmosphere for everyone.
On the mat and off the mat
- Please arrive on time and be ready before class begins.
- If you arrive late, wait quietly at the edge of the mat until the instructor invites you to join practice.
- If you need to leave the mat during class, please inform the instructor whenever possible.
- Avoid any conversation during training. The dojo should remain a focused learning environment.
- When entering or leaving the dojo, please perform a standing bow toward the front of the dojo.
- Bow when stepping on or off the mat.
- Address the instructor as Sensei (teacher) at all times.
- Shoes, sandals, or bare feet from outside must never be worn on the mat.
- Please help keep the dojo clean and tidy before and after practice.
Safety & Training Conduct
- You are responsible for the safety of both yourself and your partner.
- Be aware of the space and people around you at all times while practicing.
- If you feel tired or unwell, please rest at the edge of the mat and inform the instructor if needed.
- Physical contact is an essential part of Ki Aikido practice. Students are expected to train respectfully with different partners during class.
Personal Hygiene & Uniform
- Training uniforms should be clean, in good condition, and free from strong odours.
- Fingernails and toenails must be kept short for safety reasons.
- No jewellery may be worn during practice, including rings, earrings, necklaces, watches, facial piercings, or similar accessories. All jewellery must be removed before training begins. If, for personal, cultural, or religious reasons, jewellery cannot be removed, we may not be able to accommodate participation in physical practice.
Health & Safety
- Please do not attend training if you are unwell or may be contagious.
- Inform the instructor of any injuries or medical conditions that may affect your training.
- Follow any additional dojo health and safety policies when required.
Inclusivity & Physical Practice
We aim to create a welcoming environment for everyone. However, Ki Aikido is a partner-based martial art where physical contact and partner rotation are fundamental parts of training.
Students are expected to train respectfully with a variety of partners regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, or background.
If, for personal, cultural, or religious reasons, someone is not comfortable with touching or being touched by other practitioners during training, unfortunately we may not be able to accommodate participation in regular physical practice.
Final Note
Etiquette is not intended to be restrictive. Its purpose is to create a safe, respectful, and focused environment where everyone can learn and develop together through Ki Aikido practice.