Aikido of Greensboro


About Aikido of Greensboro

Aikido of Greensboro Aikikai is a dojo in direct lineage with the dojo of the first instructor of Aikido in Greensboro, the late Dr James Farr.

Aikido of Greensboro began in 1996, under the direction of Rick and Sandy Sandler, students of Dr. Farr, and Robert Thacker, at YWCA Greensboro . 

Since its founding, the dojo had been independent of any organizational affiliation. However, in 2006, the dojo became a member  of the US Aikido Federation (USAF), the original governing body of Aikido in the US, as specified by the Founder of Aikido and organized by the Founder's first representative in the US, Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan.

Contacting Us

Phone : (336) 375-0048
Email : aikido@aikidoofgreensboro.net

Information for Beginners and New Members

Organization
When you join the Aikido of Greensboro (AOG) dojo (“school” or “training hall”), you are joining an organization that is neither company, nor school, nor fraternal organization, but which has aspects of different types of organizations. AOG is an aikido dojo organized on the Japanese model, which is hierarchical in nature. At the top of the organization pyramid is the teacher (sensei), who has overall responsibility for the operation of the dojo. Below sensei, in order of rank and time on the mat, are the senior and junior students. Individual relationships during practice are based on mutual respect within the framework of deference to experience.

Membership
AOG is not a commercial martial arts school. Membership is a privilege, not a right that can be bought. Prospective members will undergo a four-week trial period, during which time the prospective member will attend 8 classes. At the end of the trial period, the prospective member shall decide whether or not AOG is an appropriate choice for further training, and if so, may apply for permanent membership. Permanent membership shall be granted or withheld by the dojo membership committee.

General Rules:

  1. This dojo operates in the spirit of the founder of Aikido. Adherence to traditional rules and proper conduct is a necessary element of its operation. It is a place for the dissemination of the Founder's teachings and each student must make a commitment to honor and follow those teachings.
  2. It is the responsibility of each student to cooperate in creating an atmosphere of harmony and respect. Respect the founder's teachings as interpreted and taught by Sensei. Respect the dojo, respect your training tools, and respect each other.
  3. Dues for permanent members are to be paid by the 10th day of the month. It is the responsibility of each member to pay dues on time. There are no partial payments, and dues are to be paid whether or not the member attends classes that month.

Proper Dojo Etiquette:
  1. Upon entering and leaving the practice area of the dojo make a seated or standing bow.  
  2. Always bow when stepping on or off the mat in the direction of the shomen and the picture of the founder.  
  3. Respect your training tools: Dogi should be cleaned and mended - it is very inconsiderate, particularly in the warmer months, to forgo washing your dogi after more than two practices; weapons should be in good condition and in their proper place when not in use.  
  4. A few minutes before practice you should be seated and quiet. When coming on the mat at this time, do nothing to disturb others who are waiting for class to begin.  
  5. Class is open and closed with a ceremony; it is important to participate in this ceremony, but if you are unavoidably late, you should be seated beside the mat until Sensei signals for you to join the class. Bow as you get on the mat. It is important that you do not disrupt the class in doing so.  
  6. The proper way to sit on the mat is in seiza. If you have a knee injury, you may site cross-legged, but never sit with legs outstretched or lean against walls or posts. You must be alert at all times.  
  7. Do not leave the mat during practice or any reason without first receiving the permission of Sensei (including going to the bathroom, getting water, making or receiving phone calls, etc.)  
  8. During class when Sensei demonstrates a technique, you should sit quietly and attentively in seiza. After the demonstration, bow to Sensei and then to a partner and begin practice.  
  9. When the end of a technique is signaled, stop immediately, bow to your partner, and line up with the other students.  
  10. Never stand around idly on the mat; you should be practicing, or if necessary waiting your turn.  
  11. If you have a question for Sensei during practice, go to him, never call him over. Bow respectfully and wait for his acknowledgement.  
  12. When receiving personal instruction during class, sit in seiza and watch. Bow to Sensei when he has finished.  
  13. When he is instructing another student, you may stop your practice to watch. Sit formally and bow to him when he is finished.  
  14. If you know the technique being studied and you are working with someone who does not, you may lead the person through it, but do not assume the role of the instructor.  
  15. You are here for practice; do not force your ideas on others. At the same time, respect those more experienced.  
  16. Keep talking to a minimum.  
  17. It is everyone's responsibility to keep the dojo clean; the practice area should be kept clean and the mat swept after each class.  
  18. There should be no eating, drinking, smoking, or gum chewing on the mat at any time.  
  19. No jewelry should be worn during practice.  
  20. You are welcome to sit and observe a class at any time, but the following rules of etiquette should be followed:
    1. Sit quietly and respectfully.
    2. No eating, drinking, or smoking while class is in progress.
    3. Do not talk to anyone while that person is on the mat.
    4. Do not talk or walk around while the instructor is demonstrating.
  21. If you are unsure of what to do in a particular situation ask a senior student or simply follow his lead. Although at first there will be many forms of etiquette to remember, they will become natural as you continue to train. Please do not be resentful if you are corrected on a point of etiquette.