The Tradition of Bowing in Karate-Do

"Karate-Do begins with a bow and ends with a bow." -Gichin Funakoshi At Heritage Martial Arts we train in Karate-Do. Being an open style of Karate-do, we have intentionally removed some of the Japanese customs from our training. Customs that, in my opinion, do not introduce added value to our martial arts training. But, there are many Japanese customs important to the study of Karate, and as martial artists we must acknowledge these customs and traditions. At Heritage Martial Arts students are expected to observe traditional courtesy, self discipline, and proper respect for club, instructors, and students. It is expected that these values instilled by the practice of Karate should become part of our everyday life.

Bowing
Bowing is one Japanese custom that we observe, which certainly provides added value to our training. The bow is rei (pronounced ray) in Japanese. Bowing has become the norm among karate enthusiasts. The bow shows humility in Japan, and is used to express a lack of arrogance. In North America the bow is a sign of mutual respect between opponents, and between karatekas and their instructors. It is also considered a sign of respect towards your school, whereas not bowing at the correct times can be considered a sign of disrespect to the school. Students and parents should feel at ease with the action of bowing, it had been clearly taught by the Instructors that no religious significance in the tradition of bowing. The rules are simple enough: Bow when you enter the dojo, Bow before you exit the dojo, Bow at the beginning of class, Bow at the end of class, Bow to each other before and after sparring, Bow before and after performing a kata, Bow to each other before and after a partner training drill At Heritage Martial Arts we bow towards the front of dojo upon entering and leaving the Dojo. By bowing when you enter the Dojo, you are stating that the daily routine ends here, and now you are concentrating exclusively on Karate. Similarly, with you bow upon leaving, you are stating that the physical lessons of Karate are completed for the day. Also remember, for a guest entering our Dojo, it should be considered no less an honor than being invited into our
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home. We also bow at the beginning and end of the class. At the beginning and end of the class, all bow to the shomen (the front wall of the workout area, an area that often signifies respect to our heritage of karate and respect to the direct line to your Black Belt instructors, to you). The students also bow to the sensei (instructor), as a showing of gratitude for the opportunity to learn Karate. Then all bow together, signifying the students and the instructor respect for each other. We also bow before and after a partner training drill or sparring. The partners bow together (and often shake hands), showing that they respect each other regardless of age or any personal differences. This also indicates to each other that they are alert and will pay attention to their techniques, so that the partner will not be endangered. We also bow before and after performance of a kata, both empty hand and weapons. The traditional opening and bow, or closing and bow, symbolize the dignity and respect that a karatekas must show in the practice of his or her martial arts.

How to Bow When executing any bow, do not "bounce" back up. This is almost worse than not bowing at all. It leaves the person you were bowing to with no clue as to what meaning you infused into your bow. Your serious intent should be easily seen through your bowing technique. You should look down, not at the face of your opponent. The Japanese think that looking up when you bow is very rude, as it shows a lack of trust. You would not bow to a real enemy, and you are not allowed to attack while bowing in Karate competitions. If you look at the opponent's feet, you can still see their feet and hands. If you are paranoid about it, dont bow. Bowing should be performed from the waist, not with the neck. You should bend forward only about 30 degrees or so, hold for a half second, then return to the upright position. Don't bow too shallow or too deep - 45/ is the lower limit, and 20/ is the upper limit.

The Yoi Position For a standing bow, stand naturally with your palms open at your sides and touching the outside of your legs. Your feet should be together at the heels with the toes pointed out at 45 degree angles (Musubi-Dachi - Informal Attention-Stance, Feet Out). Bend slightly forward at the waist, keeping yours eyes down, but still looking at the opponent's feet and hands. The Yoi position, or hachigi dachi, is the alert stance assumed while waiting for an exercise, such as a kata, kion, or ippon kumite.

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Yoi position.

Slide right foot to left, cross your arms.

Slide right foot back as you uncross arms.

The Standing Bow With ritsu-rei (the standing bow) the arms are extended downwards with the palms sliding down the legs. With fingers together, the hands end up in resting on the legs just above the knees, in front of the body. The body is bent to about a 45/ angle. The longer the bow is held the more meaning it has. In a normal situation it is held for only two or three seconds.

Yoi position

Slide right foot to left, musubi-dachi

Bend upper body forward Page 3 of 6

Return to upright position

Slide right foot back to Yoi position

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The Kneeling Bow Za-rei (the kneeling bow) is done while on your knees and sitting directly on your feet. The back is kept straight with eyes forward. Lean forward like a hinge, right hand extending in a circular motion to the floor followed by the left hand. The thumbs and first fingers placed properly make a small diamond which you put your forehead into, but do not touch the ground. Hold it appropriately and reverse the procedure, left hand first then right hand last. The left hand is last to go and first to return. This assumes the student has the sword in secured on the left side and the student is right handed. When not carrying a sword both hands may move forward together. Many martial arts instructors will say that this bow was used to expose the back of the neck to a sword cut. Dropping your defenses is a common cultural sign of loyalty and trust. Seiza is a formal Japanese sitting position. First lower your left knee to the floor, then the right. Simultaneously point your toes and sit on your feet with the soles of your feet up. Your knees should be at about shoulder width and your feet together, under you, crossed at the balls of your feet or toes. It doesn't matter which foot is on top. Rest your palms on your thighs, fingers pointed toward your inner thighs. Keep your back straight

Yoi position

Slide right foot to left, musubi-dachi

Kneel by placing right knee on floor

Next place left knee on floor

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Sit on crossed feet

Place right hand on floor

Position left hand touching right hand

Lean forward, head reaching toward hands

Return to upright position

Place left hand on left thigh

Place right hand on right thigh

Return to upright position by lifting right front knee

Return to upright position, musubidachi

Yoi position

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Formal Beginning and Ending of a Class Class is brought to attention; Kiotsuki. Line up by rank or by seniority if of equal rank. Perform an initial standing bow on command; Yoi, rei, yoi. Kneel down on command; Seiza. Wait for person on right to kneel before you kneel. Kneel down two fist lengths from neighbor. Sensei kneel down in front facing students Meditate on command; Mokuso. Stop meditation on command; Mokuso yame. Perform three kneeling bows on command; First bow with all facing front, Shomen ni rei. Second bow, Sensei facing students Sensei ni rei. Third bow, Sensei bow to students, Rei. To begin class; Stand up, Tate (pronounced Tah-Tay) Jump up, or more formally rise from seiza position. This is done by executing the sitting sequence in reverse order curl your toes back under, bring up your right leg, then your left. To end class; Thank you from sensei to students, Arigato Customary hand shake with students

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