Getting Started: Osu!

Osu!

This section provides information that will help you to get started in your aikido journey with Aikido Yoshinkai ACT. Please contact us should you need any more information about what we do and who we are.

“Osu!” is a shortened form of “Ohayo gozaimasu” (Japanese for “Good morning”) but it has a much deeper meaning than that when used with feeling and sincerity. It is used to convey gratitude, humility, comprehension. Please see attached file for more explanation about “Osu!“.

What to Wear

• Initially you could wear a T-shirt and sweat pants as long as they are comfortable.
• You do not have to wear a dogi (or those funny white pyjamas) for the first few lessons. It’s probably better to wait to purchase a dogi until you feel Aikido Yoshinkai ACT (AYACT) is right for you. We would expect you to have a dogi by your second calendar month of training at the latest.
• If you have a white dogi, please wear it. For us, a white dogi represents purity of purpose, humility and respect for the dojo (training hall) and your training partners. As AYACT is a traditional Japanese martial art dojo, wearing a multi-coloured dogi or a dogi with over-the-top embellishment(s) is not proper dojo etiquette.
• The dogi is something that we should wear with pride. Just as the Samurai looked after their weapons so should we the dogi.
• Keep your dogi clean and maintain good personal hygiene as aikido practice is a contact activity.
• The dogi jacket is always worn left side over right as per Japanese custom. When tying your belt make sure that both ends are even, representing balance.
• It is not customary for men to wear clothing, e.g. T-shirt, under the dogi jacket but we leave this to your discretion.
• Aikido is a contact activity so it is recommended that women consider wearing appropriate clothing under the gi jacket.
• Fold the dogi neatly when placing it in your bag before and after training..
• Please wear a white belt unless you hold a current Yoshinkan rank. If you have not trained in a Yoshinkan dojo for 12 months or more, please wear a white belt until we agree for you to wear a colour belt.
• If you have a black belt from another aikido style, please discuss this with us before you seek to wear your black belt in our dojo. While we acknowledge that your worked hard for your rank, this is a traditional dojo and we follow traditional etiquette.
• For those who may have a hakama, it is our dojo’s etiquette that only senior Yoshinkai instructors and/or the lead instructor on the mat may wear a hakama.

Safety

Safety is everyone’s responsibility in the dojo (training hall)!

Training is always conducted in a safe, nurturing environment that allows members to develop at their own pace. Safety is always the highest priority, learning how to safely practice is at the forefront of all our classes.

In the dojo:

• If you have a health issue or injury that may affect your ability to train, please inform the instructor BEFORE you get on the mat.
• If you are injured in the dojo, inform the instructor.
• If at any time during class you feel unwell, inform the instructor.
• No jewellery shall be worn while training in the dojo. This includes ear/nose/body rings/studs, and any other objects that can cause injury to your partner or yourself.
• If you cannot take off your ring or other jewellery off your body, please put tape around the ring and/or cover-up your jewellery.
• Long hair locks/ponytails need to be secured so they are not a hazard to yourself and others on the mat.
• Finger and toe nails must be trimmed to avoid injury to your partner or yourself.
• Ensure that any cuts, scrapes, open wounds are properly bandaged up.
• If you start to bleed, inform the instructor and excuse yourself to bandage the cut and clean the blood off the mat. Gloves and bandages are available in the first aid kit.
• Anyone showing signs of intoxication will not be permitted to train and may be asked to leave the dojo.

Other Points:

• If you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to train, please consult your doctor before you seek to train with us. If you have a medical condition, please provide a medical certificate supporting your membership application before you train with us.
• Keep your dogi clean and maintain good personal hygiene as aikido practice is a contact activity.
• Drink plenty of water before the class to avoid dehydration. This is especially true during the summer months.
• Food/drink is NOT permitted on the mats. Consumption of food/drink is permitted in change rooms or reception/front area.
• Smoking is strictly prohibited.
• Please help us keep the dojo clean and dispose of trash accordingly.
• Swearing or lewd behaviour will NOT be tolerated in the dojo.

Information about: Membership and Application Form

Darren Friend Shihan Sensei (6th dan) of Aikido Yoshinkai NSW, Sydney