Bowing in the Japanese culture is a very complex endeavor. As an American, I am certainly no expert. However, I believe traditional martial arts should have a basic understanding of proper bowing techniques and implement them into their practice.

In the sport arts, looking at bowing in tournaments can be a travesty. There are a number of things that pass for bows that are viewed as disrespectful by most traditionalists:

• The ego bow. It’s a bow done with a sharp slap of the palms on the thighs with a quick dip at the waist. The eyes are directed at the individual whom the bow is meant for. This is an insult.
• Flailing in the deep bow. This is a bow done with a bend at the waist of over ninety degrees and the arms sliding down the sides.
• The prayer bow. This is done with palms together in a prayer-like position.
• The quick dip bow. This is performed similarly to the ego bow but lacks the ego.  
• Dangling bow. This bow is done with the arms hanging down in front of the legs.
• Hidden hands bow. Putting the arms behind the legs when bowing.
• Butterfly bow. Open hands crossed in front of thighs or groin while bowing.
• Nod bow. A simple nod of the head that isn’t a bow at all.

Traditional Japanese Bows

There are three basic bows in Japanese culture. All three are done with eyes cast downward, with fingers close together and palms placed lightly on each side of the legs.  Bowing is performed with a bend at the waist. The back and neck are kept in alignment, never arched or bent. The legs and hips are in the same position throughout the entire bow. (In other words, don’t push your bottom out.)

• Eshaku is a greeting bow between equals. The back has a slope of 15 degrees.
• Keirei is a bow to teachers or others of importance. The back
  has a slope of 30 degrees.
• Saikeirei is a bow to the emperor. The back
  has a slope of 45 degrees. 

The art of bowing isn’t set in stone. Some organizations or businesses will have special requirements for bowing. In those cases, look to those around you for the appropriate etiquette.

Bowing in the dojo

To put this into a martial arts venue, let me adjust the persona of the three bows.

• Eshaku is still a greeting bow between equals with the back sloping at a 15 degree angle.
• Keirei is a bow to a sensei, bowing in and out of the dojo or tatami with your back sloping at a 30 degree angle.
• Saikeirei is a bow to very high ranking black belt, such as 9th and 10th dans, with your back sloping at a 45 degree angle.

In all of the bows, your eyes will focus on a spot 3-6 feet down, depending on your size. When entering or leaving the tatami the bow is at 30 degrees with eyes cast down.

Exception

An exception to the rule is when you are preparing to spar an opponent. In this case, before the sparring match you will not cast your eyes down.  Rather, you will look your opponent in the eyes as you bow. This shows that you are challenging them. This is why it is sometimes called “the challenging bow.” When you are finished sparring, a respectful keirei bow is required as a show of respect and sportsmanship. 

Bowing in seiza

Bowing while kneeling (seiza) is totally different. To kneel into the seiza position, the left knee kneels first followed by the right knee. Males knees are open about two fists width and females have the knees together.

To bow, the left open hand touches the tatami first, then, the right hand. The hands are about an inch apart in a “A” shape with the thumbs in. The forearms touch the floor.

To to return, the process is reversed, your right and then left hand pulls back to your lap. This is then followed by lifting the right knee and then the left knee into a standing position.

We believe is important that the traditional arts practice proper bowing and institute it into our martial arts schools. In this way, we maintain the culture and respect that was first handed down to us from our ancestors in the arts.