The dojo opens about 15 minutes before the beginning of a class. Before and after practicing with a training partner (during or after class): bow to each other in seiza.At the beginning and end of class: everybody will line up facing the shomen, sitting quietly then bow together to the shomen and to the instructor.Upon stepping onto or off of the tatami (mats): kneel down in seiza (sitting on the heels with the back straight), and bow to the shomen with both hands on the mat in front of you.Upon entering or leaving the dojo: the bow is executed standing up, bare head, arms along the side of the body and facing towards the shomen.Bowing occurs on multiple occasions in the dojo, including:.Students express respect and gratitude to O-Sensei for his legacy in the form of bowing. Bowing in the dojo is a purely cultural, non-religious, expression of respect.Ī picture of O-Sensei and that of other late grand masters are displayed in the shomen (front of the dojo). In the dojo (place of practice), students express respect in the form of bowing, which is part of traditional martial arts culture. A centerpiece is Rei, which means “appreciation and respect.” Practitioners show Rei to O-Sensei (Founder of Aikido), to the sensei (instructors), and to training partners. Aikido etiquette remains deeply influenced by traditional Japanese martial arts values (budo).