Dojo Etiquette
  • Shoes are to be removed when approaching the mat (Tatami).
  • When entering and leaving the Dojo, bow in the direction of the altar (Kamiza). This is a tradition of showing respect to the founder.
  • Ensure that your hands and feet are clean prior to stepping on the Tatami.
  • Students should sit (Seiza) in order of rank at least 5 minutes before the class begins, and use that time to meditate and wait for Sensei’s arrival.
  • When Sensei comes onto the mat, he and the students bow (Rei) to Morihei Ueshiba’s picture. The students then bow to Sensei, formally opening the class.
  • Students must ask for the Sensei’s permission for arriving late to class, or for leaving early.
  • Students should never sit on the Tatami with their backs to the Kamiza.
  • When approaching the Sensei, whether you ask him or he call you, bow first and at the end.
  • Never yell out “Sensei”. Instead, go up to him and bow.
  • Never lie on the Tatami.
  • Do not lean against the Dojo walls.
  • Do not sit with your legs stretched out.
  • Always keep your uniform (Gi) clean and in good shape.
  • Remove rings, watches, earrings or any type of jewelry before class.
  • Do not bring food, gum or beverages into the Dojo.
  • Keep your finger and toenails cut short.
  • Do not use foul language in the Dojo.
  • Do not leave the Tatami during class for water.
  • Respect those with more experience. Never argue technique with Sensei or Senpai.
  • You must bow to your partner at the beginning and end of each exercise.
  • At the end of class, The Sensei and the students bow to O’ Sensei’s picture, then the students bow to Sensei, and to each other.
  • Students should wait until Sensei has left the Tatami before getting up from Seiza.
  • The Tatami should be cleaned after each practice.

Test Requirements

6th Kyu (30 days)
  1. Katatetori Ai-Hanmi Ikkyo (omote & ura)
  2. Katatetori Ai-Hanmi Sankyo (omote & ura)
  3. Katatetori Ai-Hanmi Kotegaeshi (omote & ura)
  4. Katatetori Ai-Hanmi Iriminague (omote & ura)
  5. Katatetori Ai-Hanmi Shihonague (omote & ura)
  6. Katatetori Ai-Hanmi Ude-Kiminague (omote & ura)

5th Kyu  (60 days)
  1. Shomenuchi Ikkyo (omote & ura)
  2. Shomenuchi Iriminage
  3. Katatetori Shihonage (omote & ura)
  4. Ryotetori Tenchinage
  5. Tsuki Kotegaeshi
  6. Ushiro Tekubitori Kotegaeshi
  7. Morotetori Kokyuho

4th Kyu  (80 days)
  1. Shomenuchi Nikkyo (omote & ura)
  2. Yokomenuchi Shihonage (omote & ura)
  3. Tsuki Iriminage
  4. Ushiro Tekubitori Sankyo (omote & ura)
  5. Ushiro Ryokatatori Kotegaeshi
  6. Suwari waza Shomenuchi Ikkyo
  7. Suwari waza Katatori Nikkyo (omote & ura)
  8. Suwari waza Katatori Sankyo

3rd Kyu  (100 days)
  1. Yokomenuchi Iriminage (2 ways)
  2. Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi
  3. Tsuki Kaitennage (uchi & soto)
  4. Ushiro Ryokatatori Sankyo (omote & ura)
  5. Morotetori Iriminage (2 ways)
  6. Shomenuchi Sankyo (omote & ura)
  7. Suwari waza Shomenuchi Iriminage
  8. Suwari waza Shomenuchi Nikkyo (omote & ura)
  9. Hanmi handachi Katatetori Shihonage
  10. Hanmi handachi Katatetori Kaitennage (uchi & soto mawari)

2nd Kyu  (200 days)
  1. Shomenuchi Shihonage
  2. Shomenuchi Kaitennage
  3. Yokomenuchi Gokyo
  4. Ushiro Tekubitori Shihonage
  5. Ushiro Tekubitori Jujinage
  6. Ushiro Kubishime Koshinage
  7. Morotetori Nikkyo
  8. Hanmi handanchi Shomenuchi Iriminage
  9. Hanmi handanchi Katatetori Nikkyo
  10. Hanmi handanchi Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi
  11. Freestyle: 2 attackers

1st Kyu  (300 days)
  1. Katatori menuchi - 5 techniques
  2. Yokomenuchi - 5 techniques
  3. Morotetori - 5 techniques
  4. Shomenuchi - 5 techniques
  5. Ryotetori - 5 techniques
  6. Koshinage - 5 techniques
  7. Hanmi handachi Ushiro Waza - 5 techniques
  8. Tantotori
  9. Freestyle: 3 attackers

Black Belt  (400 days)
  1. All of 1-st kyu requirements
  2. Tachitori
  3. Jotori
  4. Henka Waza
  5. Jo Kata
  6. Boken Suburis
  7. Tantotori
  8. Freestyle: 4 attackers