Formalities
From MIWiki
Contents |
Lining up
The most senior student in class (highest Kyu for the longest time) is in the front row, and extreme right (from his or her perspective) facing the front of the Dojo. Class arranges by rank in straight lines keyed off senior Kyu Position.
Dans face Kyus with highest Dan in front of senior Kyu.
Ready
Class waits left foot forward hands at sides
Bow in
- Class comes to attention in musubi dachi (heels together, feet pointed at 45 degrees)
- Sensei nods to senior Kyu, who makes sure class is prepared then calls “Rei” (Bow)
- Kyus and Dans bow to each other
- Dans turn to face photo of Shodai Soke Shimabuku and the Sensei calls “Rei”, to which the class bows again.
- Sensei faces other dans and pays them respect with a bow and the word “yudansha”, (which is, literally, “dans” or “People of dan rank”) The dans return the bow
- Class begins
Bow out
- Sensei gives the command to line up
- Class waits left foot forward, hands at sides
- Sensei nods command to the senior Kyu who makes sure class is ready and calls “Rei”
- Class bows
- Sensei can take this time to speak to the class. This might be announcements, thoughts, warnings, promotions, or general discussion
- Sensei thanks the class
- Class bows finally
- Sensei dismisses the class
Rei(Bow)
A standing Rei is performed from Musubi Dachi with hands at the sides. When the call is made for rei, the person bends at the waist keeping the head and neck aligned with the back. Do not hunch or roll the back either backwards or forwards. It is a posture of respect. Typically, the formal bow is about thirty degrees, but the important thing is to remember that the student bows longer and deeper than the teacher. More information about bowing in Japanese culture can be found on Wikipedia.
Seiza
Typically, the bow in and bow out are done standing. For formal occasions, or because Sensei chooses it, the bows may be conducted from seiza, which is kneeling/sitting on ones knees. During these times, we use saikeirei (最敬礼), which is “most respectful bow”. The hands are placed in front of the knees and, bending at the waist, the forehead is lowered to the ground. Again, students remain longer than teachers.
