1. When entering or leaving the dojo, it is proper to bow standing in the direction of O Sensei's picture, or the front of the dojo (shomen). You should also bow seated in seiza when entering or leaving the mat.
   
   
2. Class is opened and closed with a formal cermony. It is important to be on time and to take part. If you do happen to arrive late, sit quietly in seiza on the edge of the mat until the teacher invites you to join class. Do a formal bow as you get on the mat. It is important not to disrupt the class as you come in late.
   
   
3. A few minutes before practice is to begin, you should be warmed up, seated formally in seiza, and in quiet meditation. These few minutes are to rid your mind of the day's problems and to prepare for class.
   
   
4. If you should have to leave the mat or dojo for any reason during class, approach the teacher and ask permission. If you nead to rest during class move to the edge of the mat and sit in seiza until able to rejoin the class.
   
   
5. Do not lean against the walls or sit with your legs stretched out. (Either sit in seiza or cross- legged.)
    
6. Do not engage in rough-housing or needless contests of strength during class.
    
7. Please keep talking during class to a minimum. What conversation there is should be restricted to one topic -- Aikido
    
8. During class, practicing of techniques is normally done in pairs, with students taking four turns as nage and then four as uke. If there is an odd number of students in the class, a group of three may be formed, with practice proceeding by twos instead of by fours.
    
   
9. During class, when the instructor demonstrates a technique for practice, you should sit quietly and attentively in seiza. After the demonstration, bow to the instructor and then to a partner and begin practicing the technique.
   
   
10. When the end of a technique is signaled, stop immediately. Bow to your partner and quickly line up with the other students.
    
    
11. When receiving personal instruction during class, sit in seiza and watch. Bow formally to the teacher when the personal instruction is finished. When the teacher is instructing another, you may stop your practice to watch. Sit formally and bow when he or she has finished.
    
    
12. Never stand around idly on the mat. You should be practicing or, if necessary, seated formally waiting your turn.
     
    
13. Respect those who are more experienced. Never argue about technique.
    
    
14. If you know the movement being studied and are working with someone who does not, you may lead the person through it.
    
    
15. Keep your training uniform ( Gi ) clean, in good shape and mended, and free of offensive odors. Weapons should be in good condition and in ther place when not in use. Never use someone else's practice gi or weapons without permission.
     
    
16. Remove watches, rings and other jewelry before practice.
    
    
17. Please keep your finger and toe nails cut short.
    
    
18. No shoes on the mat.
    
    
19. Do not bring food, gum, or beverages with you onto the mat.
    
    
20. It is everyone's responsibility to keep the dojo clean.
    
    
21. Do not change your clothes on the mat.
    
    
22. Please pay your membership dues promptly. If, for any reason, you are unable to pay your dues on time, talk with the teacher. Sometimes special rates are available for those experiencing financial hardship.

Rules for Observing Class

1.  Sit respectfully, never with legs propped up on the furniture or in a reclining position.
2.  No eating, or drinking, when class is in progress.
3.  Do not talk to anyone on the mat.
4.  Do not talk or walk around while the instructor is demonstrating or lecturing.