Читать книгу Aikido Basics. Everything you need to get started in Aikido - from basic footwork and throws to training онлайн

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Bow to your teacher. Learning respect, humility, gratitude, and appreciation is just one of the benefits you will gain through your study of aikido.

You will see people doing a simple standing bow. They may just put their hands at their sides and bend slightly at the waist. Others will put their hands in front and bow deeply. Some schools or teachers advocate keeping your eyes open and focused on your training partner as you bow. Watch how others are bowing, and follow their examples.

Line Up, Kneel, and Bow

Line up according to rank. At your first class, you will more than likely be the one with the lowest rank. Take your place at the far left of the line, by sitting on your heels with your back straight. This is the traditional kneeling position. Relax and breathe. You will line up at the beginning and end of class, and quite possibly several times in between.

To assume the traditional kneeling and bowing positions, simply step forward and then lower yourself onto one knee. Bring your other knee onto the mat and align both knees. Sit on your heels. The toes can be curled under so the bottom of the toes and balls of the feet are on the mat. This position actually makes it easier to stand and respond if attacked. For formality, most people let the tops of their feet touch the mat. Some schools allow their students to sit with their knees apart. Others feel that this position is impolite and the knees should be together. Both hands rest, palms down, on the legs. The spine is straight. To bow, move the left hand forward onto the mat, follow it with the right hand, forming a triangle between the hands, and rock forward, letting the head dip down. Rock back up to a kneeling position. Return the right hand first, followed by the left hand, to their original position on the knees.