Difference between revisions of "Bowing"
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YellowHatGuy (talk | contribs) (Created page with "'''Bowing''' is a fundamental component of Japanese-style martial art. All karate classes begin and end with a bow, as does any time one works with a partner. Like most things...") |
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| − | '''Bowing''' is a fundamental | + | '''Bowing''' is a fundamental part of all Japanese-style martial arts. All karate classes begin and end with a bow, as does any time one works with a partner. Like most things in karate, its purpose is twofold: |
| − | #Bowing | + | #Bowing expresses thanks for an opportunity. Bowing is the Japanese equivalent of a handshake, and everything is shaped by the culture which first created it. |
| − | #Bowing acknowledges and certifies the unspoken implied contract between training partners to | + | #Bowing acknowledges and certifies the unspoken implied contract between training partners to take on a responsibility for the other’s safety. This mutual respect is what separates training and fighting. This professional courtesy is quite common; boxers touch gloves, fencer salute, wrestlers shake hands, jiu-jitsu practitioners fist-bump, and karateka bow. |
| − | To bow, simply bend forward at the waist. Japanese etiquette dictates that | + | To bow, simply bend forward at the waist. Japanese etiquette dictates that your bowing angle is proportional to the amount of respect you have towards someone; if they are admired, bend farther. In general, do not bow farther > 30°, since this breaks eye contact; always keep an eye on people. While some may consider stopping early to be rude, a breach of etiquette is a small price to pay to ensure your safety. |
| − | + | Always bow ''to'' other people, and not ''before'' other people. All demonstrations of respect must always be mutual and equal, or it is not respect. You ''always'' deserve the exact amount of dignity and respect which you show to others, because ''absolutely no one'' has ''any'' right or privilege to treat you ''any'' other way. | |
| + | |||
| + | If your religion forbids bowing to others, consider turning 5°, so you are not bowing to anyone ''per se''. | ||
Revision as of 21:27, 15 November 2019
Bowing is a fundamental part of all Japanese-style martial arts. All karate classes begin and end with a bow, as does any time one works with a partner. Like most things in karate, its purpose is twofold:
- Bowing expresses thanks for an opportunity. Bowing is the Japanese equivalent of a handshake, and everything is shaped by the culture which first created it.
- Bowing acknowledges and certifies the unspoken implied contract between training partners to take on a responsibility for the other’s safety. This mutual respect is what separates training and fighting. This professional courtesy is quite common; boxers touch gloves, fencer salute, wrestlers shake hands, jiu-jitsu practitioners fist-bump, and karateka bow.
To bow, simply bend forward at the waist. Japanese etiquette dictates that your bowing angle is proportional to the amount of respect you have towards someone; if they are admired, bend farther. In general, do not bow farther > 30°, since this breaks eye contact; always keep an eye on people. While some may consider stopping early to be rude, a breach of etiquette is a small price to pay to ensure your safety.
Always bow to other people, and not before other people. All demonstrations of respect must always be mutual and equal, or it is not respect. You always deserve the exact amount of dignity and respect which you show to others, because absolutely no one has any right or privilege to treat you any other way.
If your religion forbids bowing to others, consider turning 5°, so you are not bowing to anyone per se.
