The way we train...

Before we enter...
Aikido is generally taught on tatami (a special mat) where pupils walk barefoot. Due to often falls during techniques it is very important to care about ones hygiene as well as the cleanliness of tatami. That’s why it is needed to sweep up the tatami before all pupils step on it. In our clubs it is customary, that the first pupils to enter the dojo grab the brooks without being told so and sweep the tatami not for only themselves, but also for each other pupil. An unwritten law says that younger trainees should not let the elder ones or more advanced ones do the sweeping and leaving it to any of the teachers is unacceptable.
While the first eager beavers are doing the sweeping, another pupil prepares kamiza (a place, where teachers’ weapons are placed together with a picture of O’Sensei) and others can warm themselves up for the training. As soon as the tatami is ready, the trainees sit to seiza (a sitting position on ones heels) generally arranged by skill degree and wait in silence until the teacher steps on the tatami. By a rule, the teacher should not wait for his students, au contraire the students ought to wait for their teacher (they want to learn from his mastership, so it is natural).

The beginning ceremony
The training itself begins when the teacher steps on the tatami by an opening ceremony. The teacher sits in front of the kamiza and after a short meditation he bows down to the kamiza together with his pupils. Then he bows to his pupils (and his pupils bow to him) saying the words “Onegai itashimas”. This means a humble request for the opportunity to train.

During the training
After this short ceremony the training begins usually with a warm-up, which consists of breathing and relaxing exercises, or weapon-using exercises. If the number of trainees is too high, they are divided into two groups - beginners and advanced ones, whereby each group has its own teacher.
The warm-up is followed by the technique education. The techniques are performed with one (or more) partners.
At the end of the training another short breathing and relaxing exercises are done.

The ending ceremony
The ending of the training is again bound with a ceremony, during which is everybody bowing to kamiza and to the teacher with the words “Domo arrigato gozaimashita”. This means respectful thanks for the training. The first to leave the tatami after the ceremony is the trainer, pupils leave second.

Before we leave…
Before leaving the dojo, the trainees have an opportunity to use the last minutes for any activities of their own will, consulting with the trainer, folding the hakama (a part of the clothing of the advanced pupils) etc. During this time some volunteers put the dojo into its initial state. Then with a pleasant feeling of tiredness everybody can go their way (this way sometimes leads to a nearby bar with kofola, what is together with a moment with co-fighters and trainers a neat day-ender).