Student Agreement & Etiquette

Please review our dojo policies and etiquette guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all students.

Terms & Conditions of Training

Class Passes & Membership

  • Beginners Special: This is a one-time offer available exclusively to new students who have not trained with us before, or those who have just completed their introductory trial.
  • Expiry Dates: 10-Session passes have strict expiry dates (7 weeks or 12 weeks from the date of purchase). Please check the specific validity of your pass type.
  • Transferability: All class passes and memberships are non-transferable.
  • Changes to Terms: Aikido Arts reserves the right to update prices, schedules, and terms and conditions at any time without prior notice.

Privacy Policy

  • Data Collection: We collect personal information (such as names, contact details, and medical history) solely for student safety and dojo administration.
  • Confidentiality: Your information is kept secure and is never sold, traded, or shared with third parties.
  • Communication: We may use your contact details to keep you informed about class schedules, upcoming gradings, and dojo news.
  • Media: Occasional photography or video recording may take place during classes for promotional use. If you prefer not to be photographed, please inform an instructor before class.

Dojo Etiquette (Reigi)

Aikido is not just about physical technique; it is a discipline of the mind and spirit. Following these traditions shows respect for your teachers, your partners, and the art itself.

Entering & General Conduct

  • Bowing: You must bow upon entering and leaving the dojo, and when stepping onto or off the mat.
  • Punctuality: Being on time for the opening ceremony is essential. If you are unavoidably late:
    • Wait formally seated (seiza) beside the mat.
    • Wait for the instructor to signal permission to join.
    • Perform a seated bow as you enter without disrupting the class.
  • Hygiene & Tools:
    • Your Gi must be clean and mended.
    • Weapons must be in good condition.
    • No jewelry should be worn during practice.
    • Never use someone else's gi or weapons without permission.
  • Health: Do not practice if you are under the influence of alcohol. Do not leave the mat during practice except for injury or illness (ask permission first).

On The Mat

  • Seating: The proper way to sit is in seiza (kneeling). If you have a knee injury, you may sit cross-legged, but never with legs outstretched or reclining.
  • Instruction:
    • When the instructor demonstrates, sit quietly in seiza and watch intently.
    • Never talk or walk around during a demonstration.
    • If receiving personal instruction, sit in seiza, watch, and bow when finished.
  • Training Partners:
    • Bow to your partner before and after each technique.
    • If you are senior, you may guide a beginner, but do not correct or instruct if you are not a senior level.
    • Never argue about technique.
  • Focus: Keep talking to an absolute minimum. Aikido is experience. Never stand around idly; if you are on the mat, you should be practicing.

Rules for Observing Class (Mitori Geiko)

Visitors and parents are welcome to watch, but must respect the training environment.

  • Posture: Sit respectfully. Do not prop legs up on furniture, recline, or put feet on the seating benches.
  • Silence: Please silence all mobile phones. Do not talk to anyone on the mat while they are training.
  • Distractions: Do not talk, walk around, or make noise while the instructor is demonstrating or lecturing.
  • Food & Drink: No eating, drinking, or smoking is permitted in the viewing area while class is in progress.
  • Photography: Do not take photos or videos without prior permission from the instructor.
  • Children/Siblings: If you are bringing other children to watch, please ensure they remain seated and quiet so as not to distract students on the mat.

Common Sense & Safety

  • It is everyone's responsibility to keep the dojo clean.
  • No eating, drinking, smoking, or gum chewing on the mat at any time.
  • Respond to new situations with common sense.
  • You are here for practice. Do not force your ideas on others.