What is Reiho?

Reiho is a set of customs and rules that are intended to establish proper behavior in a formal setting. It’s a way of codifying how participants of an activity should treat each other with respect and courtesy.

This includes bowing, which will be the primary focus of this entry. We bow to show respect for the dojo, our training partners, our instructors, and for our practice. I like to think of it as a physical reminder that each time we bow, it serves as a physical reminder that we’re accepting responsibility and taking account of our actions in the dojo.

How to bow

The two most common types of bow we practice at the dojo are tachi rei, a standing bow, and za rei, a seated bow. There are other bowing procedures when working with weapons, but that will be covered separately from this introductory post.

Tachi rei (or ritsu rei) – standing bow

Stand with heels together, toes pointing slightly outward, with hands by your side (don’t slap your hands to your side). Keep your back straight and hinge forward at the hips approximately 30 degrees.

Za rei – seated bow

While seated in seiza, place your left hand on the floor in front of you, then your right hand with fingertips touching. Hinge forward from your hips in a respectful bow.

When to bow

Entering/Exiting the dojo

It is customary, when entering (or exiting) a Japanese dojo, to perform a standing bow (tachi rei) in the direction of the shomen (front of the dojo) while saying “shitsureishimasu” or “excuse me (for interrupting).”

Stepping onto/Off of the training floor

After removing shoes, when stepping onto the training floor, pause at the edge of the mat and perform a polite tachi rei (standing bow) in the direction of the shomen before continuing onto the mats.

Beginning/ending class

At the beginning and end of class, students will line up and sit in seiza facing the shomen. The instructor for the class will be seated in front of the shomen facing toward the students.

At Kitsap Martial Arts, our budo classes begin in a manner customary to Bujinkan classes around the world.

The instructor will turn to face the shomen, put their palms together and say “shikin haramitsu daikoumyo”

Students repeat “shikin haramitsu daikoumyo”

All will clap two times in unison, bow once, clap once more, and bow again

The instructor will turn to face the students, and all will bow together while saying “onegaishimasu” at the beginning of class or “domo arigatou gozaimashita” at the end of class.

Beginning/ending partner training

When training with a partner, which is often the case in the adult budo and junior classes, partners should perform tachi rei while saying “onegaishimasu” to begin the partner training. When that pairing will separate, perform tachi rei while saying “domo arigatou gozaimashita.”

what to avoid

Slapping your hands by your side when preparing to bow

When you’re preparing to bow, don’t slap your hands down by your side and stand rigidly. Training in the dojo isn’t Marine Corps boot camp. You should be as relaxed as possible while maintaining good posture.

Performing your bow in a rushed way

Don’t rush it. Bowing is intended to be a mindful and sincere form of gratitude and respect. Bow calmly and with purpose. This isn’t a 1980s metal concert, so no headbanging here.

Staring at your partner when bowing

I’ve been in dojos where instructors say things like “never take your eyes off of your opponent” and encourage mad-dogging training partners while bowing to them. That’s just plain silly. When bowing politely to your training partner, your eyes should focus on a space just in front of their feet.