The dojo is a place for martial arts training. It is a sacred place, a place where the trials and tribulations of everyday life must be left outside. When you are in the dojo, use the time to its fullest. Train hard, train seriously and train yourself to be humble.
	When entering the dojo, perform a standing bow towards the picture of O-Sensei.
	Once inside the dojo and when ready to begin training, sit at the edge of the matted area and perform a kneeling bow towards the picture of O-Sensei.
	Students should sit at the back of the dojo in a straight line 3-5 minutes BEFORE the start of the class. Students should sit in rank order, the most advance student to the right end of the line when facing the kamiza.
	The instructor will lead the class with a kneeling bow, facing towards the picture of O-Sensei. This is to show respect to the Founder of Aikido. The students must all bow at the same time.
	The instructor will then lead a kneeling bow, facing towards the rest of the class. This is to allow the class to show respect to the teacher and to ask for him/her to pass on his knowledge. It is customary to say "Onegai Shimasu" and bow at the same time as the teacher.
	Warm-up exercises will then usually begin. It is important that students maintain the pace and correctness of form of the exercises. Do what is shown, when it is shown. Do not do your own thing.
	If you arrive late, and class has already started, enter the dojo quietly and perform a standing bow towards the picture of O-Sensei. Then sit at the edge of the matted area and perform a kneeling bow towards the picture of O-Sensei and wait for the teacher of the class to give you permission to join the class (watch the teacher carefully, he might just nod in acknowledgment, or wave you on... it is unlikely that he will call out to you). Having been given permission to join the class, perform a kneeling bow towards the instructor, then join the class as quickly and quietly as possible. Do not draw attention to yourself.
	The instructor will then demonstrate the technique(s) he/she wishes you to practice. Whenever the instructor is demonstrating, you should sit -- out of the way -- in seiza (kneeling). Do not sit with your back to the kamiza. Train your powers of observation... you must learn to see every aspect of a technique in a few demonstrations.
	Whenever you require the assistance of the instructor, do not call out to him/her. Instead, you should walk over to the instructor and when he/she is not busy, attract his/her attention. Call the instructor "Sensei" (Teacher), or "Sempai" (Senior), it is customary not to use the instructor's first name -- however, it is often good practice to use their last name, as in "Yamada Sensei". This is especially the case if there is more than one teacher present. It is also customary, though not often done outside of Japan, to call all your seniors "Sempai", such as "John Sempai".
	Ask permission to your instructor before leaving the mat.
	Uke and Nage bow to each other before and after each exercise. Change partners after each exercise and try to practice with every student in your class. Do not hesitate to practice with a more advanced student than you are, you will learn a great deal from them and so will they from you.
	When you sit at the edge of the mat, avoid to lean against the walls. Either sit in seiza or cross-legged.
	Please keep talking during class to a minimum. What conversation there is should be restricted to one topic: Aikido. Always remember that Aikido is learned by practicing, not talking.
	At the end of the class, line up in seiza as you did at the beginning of the class. The teacher will lead a kneeling bow towards the picture of O-Sensei. Do the same.
	The teacher will then lead a kneeling bow, facing towards the rest of the class. This is to allow the class to thank the instructor for his/her teachings, and for the instructor to thank his students. Say "Domo Arigato Gozaimashita". Bow to the instructor. Wait until de departure of the teacher and the signal of a senior student before standing up and salute your friends.
	Other considerations:
	Be on time for class.
	Wear the proper training uniform. Keep it clean, in good shape and free of offensive odors.
	No shoes on the mat. No barefoot outside of the mat.
	Remove watches, rings and other jewelry before practice.
	Do not bring food, gum or beverages with you into the dojo.
	Keep your finger and toe nails clean and cut short.
	Pay your membership dues promptly.
	Please preserve common-sense standards of decency and respect at all times. Practice safely at all times.
	It is customary for students to clean the dojo (wash the mat, sweep the dust ...) before and after each class. It is everybody's responsibility to take care of this matter.