Did I do the right thing?

Question

I was due to start Aikido on Saturday but I got to the Dojo just after the ritual to O Sensei had ended as the aikidoka stood to begin the warm up.

I turned around and left thinking that it would be disrespectful to assume I'd be allowed to join in, that it was an awful was to make a first impression and very conscious that I wasn't aware of dojo etiquette.

I have every intention of going back next saturday, an important lesson learned.

Did I do the right thing?

Squidgy Black: I am really glad that my question has elicited such an enlightened and mature response as yours, I am sure that you are very proud of your important contribution here.

There are absolutely no pretentions at the Dojo, I have no doubt that they'd have let me join in but I chose to leave because I thought it the most respectful thing to do particularly as it was my first session.

d__, Kitten, If it had been my 2nd/3rd session then I may have had the confidence to go in, as it goes because of the Dojo layout I wasn't seen by anyone on the mat and figured it'd be more disruptive to go in.

Ah well, I'll definitely go back on Saturday I enjoyed observing a class last week and am really looking forward to it.

Answer 1

yes you did the right thing because in was your 1st class Attendance by Guests
1. Guests are always welcome to attend and watch the training sessions. If in the company of a student, it is preferable to introduce them to the Sensei before class begins. Guests should always sit respectfully in the back of the training area. This also applies to students who are not practicing because of injury or illness.////////Wago Enten Dojo Etiquette

1. Upon entering the dojo bow and greet the other students/teachers.

2. Maintaining cleanliness is not only a health benefit but is also good discipline training. Always keep yourself clean and well-groomed. Training dogi should be clean at all times and well mended. Rips and tears are not only unsightly, they are also dangerous. Never wear jewelry while training for this is dangerous both to one's partner and oneself.
Is it equally important to maintain the cleanliness of the dojo. Every student should participate in the cleaning of the practice area after each class. In addition, periodically, there is a general cleaning of the dojo building. Everyone is invited to participate in this event.

3. The formal opening and closing of each class is an important ceremony. Every student should be on time to participate. If late, never enter the practicve area at the same time as the instructing Sensei. Wait until a time when you will not disturb others and quietly join the class.
Do not leave the class during practice except in cases of illness or injury and never leave until consulting with the Sensei.

4. All students should arrive sufficiently early to allow for stretching and warming up before class begins. A few minutes before the starting time everyone should be sitting quietly, waiting for class to begin.

5. It is proper etiquette to sit in seiza at all times when in the practice area. This is also the correct position to sit in while waiting for your turn for testing or when observing the tests. Crooslegged or other forms of sitting are only permissable in the case of injuries, but never should one sit in a casual or disrespectful manner.

6. When the Sensei is demonstrating a technique to the class as a whole, you should sit at the sides of the practice area and pay close attention. This is not a time to be talking, wiping your face, or adjusting your clothing.
When the Sensei signals the end of a technique you must stop immediately and go quickly to the edge of the mat area. Do not continue to practice or linger in the middle of the mat.
If the Sensei, during the practice period, goes to an individual student to demonstrate or explain something, those student sin the immediate area should stop practicing, and sit attentively in a circle to watch the explanation. After the individual explanation is finished you then bowto the Sensei and continue on with the practice.

7. Knowledge in Aikido is gained through constant and repetitive practice and not through talking. As a result, talking on the mat should be kept to a minimum. Never stand around idly during the training session. You should always be practicing, or if waiting for your turn, you should be sitting in seiza watching your other partners.
If you feel that you must ask the Sensei a question you should go to him or her and quietly wait until you are acknowledged. Then bow and politely ask your question, bowing again after the answer is received. Never call out to the Sensei, expecting him or her to come to you.

2. Guests should watch attentively. There should be no eating, drinking or reading, while the class is in session.

3. No photographs should be taken without obtaining prior permission from the Sensei.

4. There should be no talking to anyone while that person is training. Guest should sit quietly and not walk around while the class is in session.

5. Even though non-practitioners cannot be expected to sit in seiza during the entire training session, they should sit in seiza and join in the bowing at the opening and closing of the class.

Answer 2

Having been a martial artist for 25 years, and having spent some of those years instructing, I'll tell you that you should have stayed.
As an instructor, I've always felt that it looks worse to leave when you're late, than when you stay.
You see, when you stay, and join class anyway, it looks as though you're not only willing to join, but also willing to pay the consequences for being late. And there will be consequences, trust me. A common practice at my dojo was to make that student do extra exercises either before ( making for that much more catch up to do ) or after ( making for a late stay ) class. As a student, I was a frequent recipient of this discipline, and I lived closer to the dojo than any other student. My instructor started calling me "Mr. Pushups". I'm no longer late to anything. Had you stayed, not only would you have learned a few basics, but you also would have been humbled. Humbleness is a desired quality in any martial artist.
The fact that you left, just made you look ashamed of yourself, and perhaps to some, cowardly.
Now you have to go out there and show them that you are neither of those. You can do it.

Answer 3

As above, you should have talked to the sensei and apologized for being late.
Aikido is pretty formal and all, but we're people too. Everybody is late once in a while. Next time, if this happens again, just wait till you're invited in and bow before entering the mat (Just lean forward and step on).
You should really go back next Saturday. Aikido is loads of fun and a great way to enter the martial arts. I'm absolutely addicted.

Answer 4

Yes-some programs are structured so that beginners can only start at certain times so you may have to wait. Also it can be disruptive when students come in late and some instructors (especially traditional ones) take a dim view of it. Call the school and instructor and tell him/her that you were late and ask what their policies are with regards to coming in late for class. Nobody likes to be taken for granted and if you do that he will tell you if you can or possibly work something out for you to get a lesson in before next Saturday and then you won't be behind the others that were there. Either way by calling him/her it says something about what kind of student you want to be and that you are anxious to get started even though you were late.

Answer 5

There was no reason to leave. Just wait until the instructor sees you. Bow & wait for him/her to return the bow. Then take your place at the back of the class.

Answer 6

You should have apologised to the sensei and asked if it would be OK, for you to join him on the mat. It would have been disrespectful to just join in, but I wouldn't have a problem if you had made your apologies! You will enjoy it!!

Answer 7

i think you did the right thing, respect to your teacher is something that is very welled taught at my training area...My teacher's a picky teacher lol only students he likes he'll teach but he ask for no money just respect...In muay thai we pay homage to our teacher before we fight and i think it's very important...Who taught you to protect yourself and not get hurt? who taught you self discipline? you're teachers are like your parents...but each dojo, training facility, or school have different ideals so i guess if he's big on respect you did the right thing

Answer 8

Do not go in fear Grasshopper. Fear is eternal darkness. Go instead with inner strength. For it is like a deep river, into which all streams flow. It increases, always moving forward. And soon, there is nothing that can stand in it's way.

Answer 9

I believe so. You should go back. I have been attending Aikido for 10 years and it is awesome.

Answer 10

they proberly would let you join but you did the right thing if you want to stick to the time honoured traditions