REI – THE KARATE BOW
Why do we bow at the beginning and end of kata?
The bow at the beginning and at the end of kata is an exercise in mindfulness and an indication of respect for self and others. Gichin Funokoshi, the founder of Shotokan karate, said “Karate begins with respect and ends with respect.”
Can you explain how to bow correctly?
We begin with informal attention stance, and bow about 45 degrees to the front, back straight, eyes averted, then back up straight, and step out into “Yoi” position in natural stance.
