Simple Lessons:
Short, concise lessons and concepts helpful to students
and teachers
Rei – A Bow Of Respect
By Terry Bryan
The Japanese word for bowing is called "rei" and is the method
of greeting one another throughout Asia. Many Americans are confused about
when, where and how to bow in and around the dojo, but seem to pick it
up pretty quickly. I guess it's like the military, when in doubt –
bow.
I once read a story about respect and the message by analogy was that
the rice stalk that carried the most grain bent the lowest. I find that
in the martial arts, there seems to be a similar truth. It has been my
experience that the most senior and respected teachers are the most humble
and respectful beings around. They understand that respect is not something
one can demand, but is earned by showing respect to others. The very act
of taking time to recognize another and showing that you recognize them
and appreciate their being is an act in humility all in itself.
There is a natural law that I call the law of the farm. This law specifies
that in order to get, you must first give. In order to get respect from
others, you must first give respect. On a farm you plant seed in the spring,
work the crop during the summer, and harvest in the fall. You can't skip
the first part and expect results in the fall, nor can you rush this process
by pulling on the stalk during the summer. There are those that sit in
front of a stove and think that once it heats up, then they will add wood
to the fire. That process just doesn't work, and yet everyday, products
are sold and bought that promise instant gratification with no effort
needed.
Even in the martial arts world, there are those who promise instant security,
a six-month black belt, or deadly abilities in only a few lessons. Anyone
who understands natural laws, must realize that quality martial arts takes
many years, a lot of hard work and dedication to a good organization and
teacher. Every time you bow in the dojo, you should understand that you
have identified this process and are earning your proficiency the old
fashion way – through hard work, discipline and respect.
Many senior teachers have realized that simply teaching fighting tactics
or strategies, without including the philosophical and spiritual attributes
of respect, humility and self-discipline, is doing nothing more than creating
street-fighters. In classical martial arts, the training of the entire
person, mentally, spiritually and physically, is the goal of the teacher.
One of the major first steps towards becoming a great warrior is learning
how to bow properly.
About the Author:
Terry Bryan is the former General Secretary for the USA-NKF (National
Karate Federation), the official governing body for the sport of karate
with the US Olympic Committee. He currently is the Executive Director
for the American Black Belt Academy, a 501c3 non-profit organization located
in Colorado Springs.
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