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The observance of etiquette in Aikido is essential to training. It draws us
towards a cultural understanding of Japan and the principles of Japanese teaching
methodology. For the most part, it is a system of respect and courtesy, something not to
be taken lightly in Aikido training. At first, etiquette will seem strange and somewhat
complex. It is best to develop your sense of etiquette as you train. While some of the
procedures of etiquette may not make sense at first, it is important to realize they are
part of a highly developed social system of values and samurai traditions. As you train,
you will come to understand etiquette in a much larger sense. Many students, in fact,
eventually adopt the principles and precepts of etiquette into their everyday lives.
In short, our practice of correct
etiquette may be thought of as courtesy or kindness, and an extension of our Aikido
training not to be overlooked.
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