Formal Bow

The Formal bow is a process that is done at the beginning and end of a Kata. Here is the formal bow process:

Beginning Formal Bow

• Step on the mat with left foot
• Three steps out, Turn and bow to Shomen
• Turn back to Each other
• Left knee down, right knee up
• Sit into Seiza
• Za-rei (Flat back)
• Right Knee up
• Both feet on the mat
• Lean forward > First big step with left foot

Ending Formal Bow

• Lean backward > Big step with right foot
• Left Knee down, Right knee up
• Sit into Seiza
• Za-rei (Flat back)
• Right knee up
• Stand
• Turn to Shomen
• Ritsu-rei
• Turn back toward each other
• Step back to edge of mat right foot first
• Bow at edge of mat
• Exit