HAVE GI, WILL TRAVEL!
Peachtree Fam,
Visiting other dojos, including other federation dojos, is highly recommended. You’ll learn a lot about where you and we fit into you training as well as the world of Aikido.
Before you go, here are some best practice tips for planning your visit –
First, tell a Peachtree instructor who can contact the host dojo to make an introduction and ask that you be allowed to train there.
First impressions are everything, for you yourself and as an ambassador of Peachtree, so please arrive early.
Please make a strident effort to pay the daily mat fee, ideally before you take class.
NOTE: Some dojos refuse to take payment so we suggest mailing the fee to them later. Others have insisted that the money be put into a small envelope and put into a box. Still others regard handing money to the instructor as poor etiquette so it's best to ask someone else with rank at the host dojo how and where to pay the mat fee.
Be observant – Watch how students act and follow their example, even if it doesn’t make sense.
When in Rome. . . . Do your best to perform techniques as taught in the host dojo, even if it doesn't make sense.
If you feel uncomfortable about any aspect of the training, ask to sit and watch respectfully.
If you have questions, save those for after class – questions during class can be misinterpreted as questioning (even challenging) what is being taught.
While it may be an irresistible topic, “how we do things at Peachtree” is not a conversation to have in another dojo, period. Focus on learning how Aikido is practiced where you are in the present and avoid any temptation to expound on Peachtree’s approach to Aikido training.
Have fun and safe travels!
