A little consideration for close proximity

I met a "L" at the dojo tonight. That person does not wash his keiko gi but just suns it outside his house after every training session. There is a strong smell of ammonia which paralyses your sense of smell no matter which corner of the dojo you are at. I had the fortune of training with that person. For some time. Imagine having to practice judo with someone like that! 

There may be a variety of reasons for allowing your keiko gi to descend into that condition, whether justifiable or not. But I think that as a martial arts practitioner and particularly one of close proximity, utmost concern should be given hygiene and cleanliness.

One of the things that our master places utmost emphasis on, is cleanliness. Come in a clean keiko gi. Keep your nails short. Brush your teeth. Take a shower before training. He never used the same keiko gi for more than one session. You might think that some of these things are not achievable due to certain constraints, but some diligence and investment can make it possible.

On diligence; here in Japan, it is the norm to find the ladies taking a shower and brushing their teeth before class. As I have the luxury of living very close to Hombu Dojo, I brush my teeth and take a shower before leaving for Hombu Dojo. I dispense with shower of course during cooler days.  The point is, it makes a big difference when you prepare yourself that way before training. First of all, I view it as a symbolic ablution before entering the realm of the dojo to train. When you enter the dojo you train, you leave your worldly and everyday thoughts behind and concentrate on the training, physically, mentally and spiritually. Secondly, for not rambling on, it is etiquette!

On investment, purchase more than one or 2 sets of keiko gi if you are serious about training regularly. They don't have to be very expensive, state of the art, sweat-sucking-quick-drying keiko gi. Just practical ones will do. They do go a long way, just like how you intend your training life to be. 

I hope that as people get immersed whilst pursuing an activity and in this case aikido, don't only just think  about coming to the dojo and doing the moves. There is more to it then just that.