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
- Ayumi-ashi along the side of the mat to the center of demonstration area.
- Turn toward demonstration partner
- Ritsu-rei
- Enter the mat, left leg first taking three measured steps
- Turn to Shomen
- Ritsu-rei
- Turn back to training partner.
- Seiza, Left Leg first
- Za-rei
- Return to Shizen-hontai, Right leg first.
- Lean forward then taking a large step with your left leg to begin the Kata
Ending Formal Bow
- Return to starting point, approximately 3m in, after completing demonstration. Standing in Shizen-hontai
- Lean back, taking a large step with your right leg first
- Should be approximately 3 steps from the edge of the mat.
- Seiza, left Leg first
- Za-rei
- Return to Shizen-hontai, right leg first.
- Turn to Shomen
- Ritsu-rei
- Turn back toward each other
- Step back to edge of mat, right foot first, approximately 3 steps.
- Ritsu-rei
- Turn and exit with a measured Ayumi-ashi.