Aikido Japanese Terms- Do We Really Need to Learn Them?

Before I started practicing Aikido, the number of Japanese terms I knew were less than the fingers I
have in both hands.  So during the first day and succeeding days of my training, every time the Sensei (Sensei Max Tian of Cebu Ki Society) names the attack and the technique to be executed,  I could imagine question marks would pop up above my head and say "Huh?". Whenever there were seniors beside me, they would repeat what Sensei said and I would say, "Ahh... What is that??"

After a short period of time, I have learned to execute the techniques properly, (or at least my execution improves each practice) but I would still get confused with the Japanese terms.

Common Aikido Dojo Etiquette

Common Aikido Dojo Etiquette

These are common Aikido Dojo Etiquette that I have gathered from different sources. Hopefully we could implement all of these in our dojo very soon. 

Parts of an Aikido Dojo

Parts of an Aikido Dojo

The image above shows the parts of a typical Aikido Dojo.  

1. Shomen-the front of the Dojo. The portrait of O'sensei is found here. The students bow into this direction upon entering and leaving the mat, and during the ceremonial opening and closing of the class. 

Aikido Etiquette - Rei

Introduction:
Before I post about the different Aikido techniques, I would start this blog with the etiquette that Aikidokas should observe specially once we are in the dojo. To start with, I would like to discuss the concept of REI or bowing.

Rei  means more than just the physical motion of bowing. Rei- an essential part of Budo (martial way) practice- is generally translated as "respect and appreciation or gratitude". Thus when you are bowing to your Sensei or fellow practitioner, you are expressing your gratitude and respect.