Bowing is a very traditional way of showing respect, self control and discipline in the martial arts. A proper bow comes from the heart, and is done out of honor and respect, not out of necessity or obligation. Take the time to learn the correct way to bow, and the reasons behind it. Never be in a rush when you bow, because then you are only doing it because you should, and not because you truly mean it. When you take the time to stop and bow correctly, it shows that you sincerely mean and feel the respect you are giving.
How to Bow:
1. Start at the attention position, with your feet together and your hands at your sides. Always make sure to put down anything you are carrying before you bow.
2. Bow slowly from the waist at a 45 degree angle.
3. Hold the position for a moment before rising.
4. Keep your eyes on the floor. Eye contact when bowing is disrespectful.
5. Traditionally, the junior should initiate the bow. The junior should also bow lower than the senior, and hold the bow until the senior has risen.
It is important that you also know and understand the correct time to bow. Sometimes you see students bowing all the time without understanding what they are doing. Bowing constantly makes bowing meaningless. It is often just seen as something you have to do and go through the motions of before and after a lesson.
When you bow to someone you are making a public gesture that you respect them as a person in the martial arts and what they stand for. That is why every time you bow it should mean something both to you and the other person. Half-hearted bows or a simple nod of the head don’t symbolically mean anything; it is a lack of etiquette if anything.
Bowing, especially for adults, is also a very humbling experience. To acknowledge that someone else, irrespective of age, has more experience and knowledge than you can sometimes be quite difficult to grasp. Also bowing when you enter and leave the Dojang is not for anyone else but you. This simple action reminds you that you are there to listen to the advice of the instructor and approach learning with an empty cup.
Ask yourself this question:
Would you bow as you entered or left the Dojang if you were the only one there?
Always remember that a bow is a physical gesture of your inner self. If you do not respect someone for a valid reason do not bow. A false bow or incorrect bow is worse than no bow at all and it is important that every time you bow it is genuine and means something to you
When to bow:
- When greeting your instructor, whether inside the Dojang or not.
- When wanting advice or help from your instructor or a higher grade.
- When entering and leaving the Dojang.
- When your instructor has given you advice whether individually or as a class.
- Before and after working with a training partner.