| In many karate schools around the world the traditional | | | | in age and rank, the deeper the bow. So for example, |
| practice of bowing is being continued regardless of the | | | | if a 14 year old bows to a 40 year old then the bow |
| country of origin and of whether the bow matches | | | | should be lower than if the 40 year old bowed to the |
| that country's particular culture. The very act of | | | | 14 year old. Also a green belt should bow lower to a |
| stepping into a karate dojo or a Taekwondo dojang | | | | brown belt than a brown belt would bow to a green |
| often means that you have entered into a mini-cultural | | | | belt. |
| experience that you never expected. Some people | | | | The gray area comes when you have a 14 year old |
| find these practices quaint and educational, others find | | | | black belt and a 40 year old beginner. Who should |
| them downright offensive. | | | | bow the lowest? Well hopefully common sense will |
| This article attempts to explain the primary reasons for | | | | prevail and both parties will realize that the adult is still |
| bowing in traditional Japanese culture and therefore in | | | | the superior person in terms of experience and |
| your Japanese style of martial arts. If you study | | | | therefore should still be treated with respect. However |
| Korean or Chinese styles it won't hurt to read on as | | | | it would also be appropriate for the adult in question to |
| many of these customs are relevant to most Asian | | | | acknowledge the child's achievement and prowess |
| countries and martial arts. | | | | and bow a little lower than normal to show his respect. |
| Karate originated on the island of Okinawa, part of the | | | | As far as we Westerners are concerned, the |
| Ryukyu archipelago, which now belongs to Japan. In | | | | complexities of the social nuances regarding the bow |
| Japan bowing is as much a part of formal culture as | | | | in Japan are far too involved for us to show any real |
| the handshake is in western culture. Although the | | | | competency, unless we have direct experience living in |
| Japanese are increasingly using the handshake | | | | Japan for several years. Therefore the best thing for |
| because of international business, the bow is still a very | | | | us to do in the dojo is to simply follow the traditional |
| important part of Japanese etiquette. Bowing is | | | | etiquette and bow to one another in an unforced and |
| therefore an integral part of a Karate lesson. We | | | | comfortable manner and let that suffice. A lower bow |
| begin and end each lesson with formal etiquette | | | | can be saved for the obvious age and rank |
| including several bows and we acknowledge our | | | | differences but other than that a bow of similar depth |
| opponent before and after each encounter with a | | | | would be appropriate in most cases. |
| bow. As Karate is part of traditional Japanese culture | | | | For more information on formal etiquette and other |
| many instructors believe it is only fitting that they | | | | important information you should know if you're |
| continue those traditions and make their lessons a | | | | planning on getting into the martial arts be sure to |
| reflection of how a lesson would be led in Japan. | | | | download my FREE Report, "Beginners Guide to |
| Generally the rule of thumb for bowing is that the | | | | Karate". You can download it at |
| more senior the person to whom you are bowing, both | | | | Good luck and best wishes on your journey in karate. |