About Bowing

People often wonder about the practice of bowing in aikido. In particular, many people are concerned that bowing may have some religious significance.

It does not.

In European society only a few hundred years ago a courtly bow was a conventional form of greeting. Today, in Western culture, it is considered proper to shake hands when greeting someone for the first time, to say "please" when making a request, and to say "thank you" to express gratitude.

In Japanese culture, bowing fulfills all of these functions. Maintaining this particular aspect of Japanese culture in our aikido practice broadens our cultural horizons.

Bowing is an expression of respect. As such, it indicates an open-minded
attitude and a willingness to learn from your teachers and fellow students.
Bowing to a partner also serves to remind you that your partner is a person - not a practice dummy.

The initial bow, which signifies the beginning of formal practice, is much like
a "ready, begin" uttered at the beginning of an examination. So long as class is in session, you should behave in accordance with certain standards of deportment. Aikido class should be somewhat like a world unto itself. While in this "world," your attention needs to be focused only on the practice of aikido.
The final bow is like signaling a return to the "ordinary" world.

When bowing either to your instructor at the beginning of practice or to your partner at the beginning of a technique it is also appropriate to say "onegai shimasu" (lit. "I request a favor"). When practice with a partner is complete, or at the end of class it is appropriate to say "domo arigato gozaimashita" ("thank you").