We are keen to minimise "rules" however we do adhere to these. At the Headquarters in Tokyo the following rules are posted for everyone:

1. One blow in Aikido can kill. When practising always obey your instructor and do not use training as a time for needless testing of strength.
2. Aikido is an art where one person learns to face many opponents simultaneously. It therefore requires that you polish and perfect each movement to become invulnerable from any direction.
3. Practise with a feeling of joy and exhilaration.
4. The teachings of your instructor constitute only a small fraction of what you will learn. Your mastery of each movement will depend almost entirely on individual earnest practise.
5. Daily practise begins with light movements gradually increasing in intensity; but there must be no overexertion. Even elderly people can practise with pleasure.
6. The purpose of Aikido is to train both body and mind sincerely. Aikido must not be taught to immoral people or used for evil purposes.