THE MEANING OF THE BOW
 at AMERICAN KARATE STUDIOS

    One of the very first things you learn when you start martial arts training is the bow.  It has a very important significance in our school and in most martial arts schools.

    Borrowed from the Orient, it is greeting and show of respect for others.  It is much like a handshake in our country, but it represents far more.  Let us explain.

    We start and finish all of our private lessons and classes with a bow.  If we are going to practice or workout with another person, we bow before and after as well.  All of our forms or katas begin and end with a bow.  When we participate in a sparring match or competition, there is a bow before and after the match.  Again, it is a sign of respect...and also gratitude for the other person, whether it be the teacher or a fellow student.

    The 'left' hand is open and in a knife hand position.  It has a number of inner meanings for us:  the mind (the mental aspects of the martial arts); the scholar; the teacher; and, the 'artist' part of our discipline.  

    The 'right' hand is closed and in a fist position.  It, too, represents inner reminders for us:  the body (the physical aspects of our practice and training); the warrior; the student; and, the 'martial' part of our discipline.

    When we bring both the hands and feet together, it represents 'unity' or oneness.  It is something we are...or are striving for.  As you notice the hand positions, you'll notice that the left open hand is 'over' the right closed hand.  This signifies that we are aware of the higher aspects of ourselves...that being the mental (or philosophical), scholar, teacher, and artist within us.  This is the part of ourselves that constantly uplifts us.

    When we bow (lower ourselves from the waist), it is to humble ourselves, show respect, and gratitude to our creator, others and ourselves.

    As a practitioner of the martial arts, we can ask ourselves the following questions:  Am I developing both the mental and the physical?  The scholar and the warrior within?  The teacher and the student?  And the artist side and the martial application side of my practice?  Or do I need to put more emphasis into certain areas to balance myself?  Or what areas have I been focusing on during my training and practice of the martial arts?  These questions help lead us to further self-discovery. 

    This is part of the martial art way that helps to build character.  We value it highly.  It is part of the culture within our school.  It is our hope that some of these qualities, values and attitudes are then brought back into our communities, and that we can have a positive impact in the homes, workplaces, schools, sports, and other organizations.