Dojo Etiquette 101: How to Feel at Home on the Mat

A Beginner’s Guide to Feeling Confident and Welcome

Walking into a dojo for the first time can feel exciting and a little unfamiliar. At Aikido of Park Slope, we believe etiquette is not about formality, it is about creating a safe, respectful space where everyone learns together. When you know what to expect, you relax, you move better, and you feel like you belong.

This guide will help you feel at home from the moment you step through the door.

Respect for the Space and Each Other

Aikido begins and ends with respect. We bow when entering and leaving the dojo as a way of acknowledging the space where we train. On the mat, we bow to our partners before and after practicing together. These gestures create connection, humility, and trust.

Everyone trains at their own pace. Our practice is cooperative, not competitive, so every student helps their partner learn safely.

Arriving and Settling In

Try to arrive a few minutes early so you can change, stretch, and center yourself. If you arrive late, wait at the edge of the mat until the instructor welcomes you in.

If you need to leave before class ends, let your instructor know beforehand. Clear communication keeps the class flowing smoothly.

For a deeper look at what class feels like, read our beginner’s guide:From Your First Roll to Your First Gi: A Beginner’s Path at Aikido of Park Slope

Cleanliness and Appearance

Our dojo is a shared space. Keeping yourself and your uniform clean shows respect for your partners and the practice. Nails should be trimmed, jewelry removed, and hair secured.

If you are feeling unwell, take time to rest and recover before returning. Aikido is best practiced when your body is ready.

Staying Safe on the Mat

Safety is a shared responsibility. If a technique feels unclear or uncomfortable, ask your instructor for guidance. Communicate openly with your partner so you both feel supported.

Let your instructor know if you have any injuries before class begins. We are here to help you train safely for the long term.

If you want to understand what a first class looks like in detail, explore:What to Expect at Your First Martial Arts Class in Brooklyn

Mindfulness and Presence

Aikido is more than movement, it is attention. On the mat, we practice staying present, listening, and responding. Phones should stay off the mat, and conversation should remain focused on training.

By bringing your full attention to each moment, you help create a calm, centered environment for everyone.

Caring for the Dojo Together

After each class, students join together to clean the mat and tidy the space. This small act reinforces community, gratitude, and the shared responsibility that defines Aikido.

Cleaning is part of training. When the dojo shines, so does the practice.

You Belong Here

Etiquette is not about perfection. It is about awareness, kindness, and respect. Every student at Aikido of Park Slope was a beginner once, and every person on the mat understands what it feels like to start something new.

Follow these simple guidelines, relax, and let the practice unfold. You are welcome here.

Ready to try your first class? Schedule a trial class and experience the energy of the dojo for yourself. See you on the mat.