Practicalities
Uniform
"Dogi" ,"Keikogi", or "Aikidogi"*
1. Keep it clean.
Some people wash and bleach theirs after every class, but if you sweat less you can probably get away with less.
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2. If you choose to wear a T-shirt underneath, that can help. But if you do, white is preferred.
3. Dogi that are plain white with minimal markings, badges, etc. are preferred.
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4. The Burloak Aikikai Aikido badge is optional, but preferred for our members. Thanks to Andrew for having them made. We can provide it free. Sew it on to the left shoulder.
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5. Left flap goes over the right. Learn to tie your belt properly [shown here].
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6. Yudansha (black belts) wear a hakama. Although not a practical "fighting" uniform, this is an aikido tradition.
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However, we’d rather you show up in a less-than-perfect uniform due to unforeseen circumstances from time-to-time than miss class!
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* They aren't called "gi" in Japan, and definitely not "kimono", which is something completely different. Those are foreign misuses.
Hygiene
1. We get close with each other, and keeping clean is both a sign of respect and more hygienic.
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2. No one expects you to routinely shower just before class, especially for the morning classes, but do have a quick rinse first if you’re dirty.
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3. Please brush your teeth or gargle before class.
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4. Keep your toenails and fingernails trimmed.
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5. Remove rings, earrings, piercings, etc. if at all possible. It’s safer for you and your partners.
Dues
1. Burloak Aikikai is not seeking to make profits, and is just covering some very minimal expenses. Having said that, as members, paying dues does represent a level of commitment and sincerity. Please try to be in the habit of paying by the end of a given month for the following month (e.g. by the end of November for the month of December).
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2. Dues are reduced for youth, retired, unemployed and family members.
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3. If you think you will regularly make fewer than 4 classes in a month, you can pay on a drop-in basis. Less than once a week is not ideal, of course, but life gets in the way sometimes and we would rather see you occasionally than not at all!
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4. There is no shame in having personal financial challenges. Let Sensei know privately and he will reduce or eliminate your dues. We NEVER want affordability to be in the way of people accessing aikido.
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5. You can pay by e-transfer to the dojo email address or by cash/cheque to Sensei. We aren't set up for credit cards.
Substitute & Guest Instructors
Occasionally, the Chief Instructor can’t come to class or invites a guest instructor. This is an awesome opportunity for you! Please afford them extra appreciation, whether they are “only” one of our senior students, or a high ranking black belt from another dojo. You will learn something new.
Sometimes, the substitute instructor may be a lower rank than you. Even if so, follow their lead and support the class (and yourself) in learning what they are offering.
Seminars
You are really encouraged to attend seminars whenever possible!
They are a tremendous opportunity to expand your horizons beyond our little bubble. They are challenging and exhilarating. Even though the mats may be a sea of black belts, you will be treated according to your ability and with respect, even if you are a beginner.
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For yudansha, a certain amount of seminar attendance is one of the requirements for promotions.
