What is the meaning of Bowing? Why Bow? “Rei de Hajimari Rei de Owari”
Karate begins and ends with courtesy
We hope that the following points will give the student an insight into the rituals, etc. of Kyokushin
Karate so as to obtain a better understanding. Your training at the dojo is partly steeped in tradition
and ritual and some of our customs may be subject to misinterpretation. Confusion sometimes arises
over the significance of the Shinzen (Shinden) and the purpose of bowing and kneeling.
The Shinzen has absolutely no religious meeting, but merely serves as the ceremonial centre of the
dojo. As you know, respect is a cornerstone of not only Kyokushin Karate, but all other Martial
Arts. Respect for the dojo, instructors, fellow students, and most important of all yourself. Bowing
is a gesture which serves as an external manifestation of this respect. When we bow to the dojo, we
need a symbolic centre to which we direct this gesture of respect and appreciation.. The Shinzen
serves this purpose by representing the symbolic centre of the dojo’s total essence. This is the
Shinzen’s sole significance.
Bowing, as mentioned above is external manifestation of respect. It connotes appreciation and
courtesy and in no way is associated with an attitude of subservience. Instructors bow to Juniors as
well as Students to Instructors, and Seniors bow to Juniors as well as Juniors to Seniors. Respect
and appreciation flows both ways.
Kneeling down to meditate and to begin and end each class is sometimes also misunderstood. The
very idea of kneeling or dropping to one’s knees is often thought of as a gesture of subservience. It
is important to realise that in the Japanese society, as in other Oriental Societies, kneeling is merely
a common way of sitting. People kneel to eat, converse and carry on many normal activities. To
kneel down is in oriental parlance, to sit down. However, if any student do find this position
objectionable, they are welcome to sit with their legs crossed.
Kyokushin Karate seeks neither to support or interfere with a student’s practice of his or her
religious faith. Kyokushin’s goals are the attainment of a strong mind and body and the integration
of the two.
Bowing
In your first class, you will be taught how to bow – this is on entering the dojo, to your instructor, to your fellow students, etc. It includes standing and seated bowing.
Bowing is an old Asian tradition of showing respect and has no religious connotations.