Code of practice
1. Rules of conduct during practice
Aikido training involves the use of throws and locks which, unless done in a safe and controlled manner, can cause injury. All students undertaking Aikido training with the Shudokan Aikido Oxford club must at all times adhere strictly to the directions of the instructor, whose responsibility it is to ensure safe practice.
All students training with the Shudokan Aikido Oxford club have a duty to protect the safety and well-being of those they train with. They should therefore:
- never perform a technique in a dangerous or reckless manner;
- never perform a technique or control other than that being taught by the instructor;
- must respect the grade of the student that they are training with and must perform the technique according to that level;
- must never gratuitously inflict pain on another student or abuse others physically;
- never consume alcohol or take recreational drugs before or during class.
The basic ethos of Aikido is to seek to resolve conflict without the use of physical violence, it therefore requires all practitioners to accord to each other respect and consideration at all times. Inappropriate or abusive language, or discriminatory behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.
2. Dojo conduct and etiquette
Proper attitude and behaviour are a essential parts of Aikido training. All students should adhere strictly to the following rules:
- Respect the Dojo as a place of practice;
- Bow towards the shomen upon entering and leaving the Dojo;
- Make sure hands and feet are clean and keep finger and toe nails short;
- Keep any areas of skin infection and cuts covered with medical tap or plasters;
- Wash gi regularly;
- Make sure that their body odor isn't so strong that people faint;
- Remove any jewellery, watches etc during practice;
- Always make the instructor aware if you have to leave the mat at any time during training and must wait for an instructors acknowledgement before returning to the mat;
- Must not take food or drinks onto the matted area;
- Never employ Aikido techniques outside the dojo except in circumstances where it is needed to defend yourself or others.