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Old 12-12-2001, 07:01 AM   #10
Peter Goldsbury
 
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Dojo: Hiroshima Kokusai Dojo
Location: Hiroshima, Japan
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,308
Japan
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I think that aikido 'senseis' have no right to pontificate about such things as tattoos and hair length/colour. I think this is an invasion of privacy.

I discourage my own students from wearing rings, necklaces etc. during practice because of the risk of injury. And long hair, whether worn by men or women, is best tied up because of techniques such as irimi-nage. Keikogi etc should fit properly and should be properly tied (so clothes do not fall down during practice).

Otherwise, it is up to the individual. So, if you want to put an aikido tattoo on your arm, leg, or anywhere else, go ahead. Do it. (All I ask is that if it was Japanese kanji, it is properly written.) And as for tattoos being a mark of the yakuza, times have changed here. But Edward's comment is relevant here, if you quit aikido and take up something else...

Best regards,

P A Goldsbury
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