Japanese culture and etiquette are both very important in Aikido and deeply rooted within our dojo. Members are expected to treat the dojo as a sacred space in which to develop their spirits as well as their bodies, and show respect to the tradition that has been handed down to us and our teachers.
Proper etiquette is also part of your daily aikido training as it puts one in the appropriate frame of mind for training and shows respect to our partners, regardless of their rank. "Aiki" means the joining of spirits.
In practice, we often say “Onegashimasu” to each other, translates as “please let me train with you.” In Doshu’s book, Progressive Aikido, he mentioned that “Children who start the martial art of Aikido naturally settle down and learn good manners.”
One is here to learn, not to gratify one's own ego. We are all working with each other to grow together, and to share what we have learned. Preserve common sense standards of decency and respect at all times inside and outside the dojo.
Attached please find attached Aikido etiquette for attending dojo worldwide.
Have fun and onegashimasu…