REI

One of the more poignant aspects of traditional martial arts is rei; the practice of bowing. It is a prominent feature of Oriental culture, particularly in Japan and has a long and rich history.

In Japanese martial arts (budo), rei is performed when entering and leaving the dojo, when entering or leaving the mat or wood platform area, at the beginning and end of class and generally between two students before and after training with each other. Westerners really don’t understand this aspect of martial culture and I certainly didn’t before I lived and trained in country. There is a lot more to it than you might think.

It’s more than just a “fist bump.”

Most of us know that bowing is a form of salutation in the Orient, but where does it come from? In Japan, the act of bowing is believed to have been around since the 7th century, a product of trade with China, and has roots in Buddhism. In samurai culture, where everything was predicated on manners and etiquette, this form of supplication was strictly adhered to, even among enemies. It was a central part of martial arts practice, early competitions and even “duels to the death.” There are certain aspects of rei that people outside of martial arts circles may not grasp.

Respect. Rei is respect for a teacher who shares his or her time, knowledge and expertise with aspiring martial artists. It is respect for senior students who have traveled the road before you, experiencing many of the same frustrations and learning how to overcome them. Respect for your partner who offers their body as a training tool with the mutual understanding that while injury is possible, neither of you will execute a technique out of spite or remiss. Rei is respect for the place in which you train, typically a dojo, the place where enlightenment is found. Not violence, not anger and certainly not ego. Rei is respect for the spirituality of practice but not necessarily a nod to any religion or deity.

Focus. Now more than ever, it’s really hard to “unplug,” isn’t it? We have so much coming at us all the time, all at once, we can barely keep our mind on anything for more than 40 seconds. When is the last time you truly focused on something that didn’t involve media? Rei is about taking the time to focus your mind and body on a task. It doesn’t necessarily have to be related to martial arts. The tea ceremony is a good example. I remember visiting several ancient shrines in Japan and I routinely saw grounds keepers bow before and after working in the surrounding gardens.

Humility. To perform a proper bow, you place your hands at your sides, keep your head straight and bend 20 - 30 degrees at your waist. If you are bowing to someone senior to you, you bow just a little lower. I think this is one of the main reasons Westerners have a tough time with the concept. You see, placing your hands at your sides, using proper form and keeping your mouth shut are all a part of acquiescence. Even, and perhaps especially if you don’t necessarily like the other person.

Pause. Rei is a structured moment to stop and reflect on what you are about to do. “I’m stepping into the dojo to train. This unique place that is specifically built and designed for this purpose…let me think about that for second.” “I’m about to start another class and try to learn and develop myself. Why am I really here? Let me stop and think about that.” “I’m about to practice throwing, striking, and/or grappling with another person who trusts me to use proper restraint and safe technique so I don’t cause injury. This doesn't happen every day and it's a gift. Let me think about that.” How many times a day do we all scroll through life trying to get to the next page? Rei is about taking the time to pause and reflect.

Pause and reflect…how about if we all take a minute? What would happen if all of the voices yelling and screaming at each other stopped for a second to bow before making their point? You know, people complain a lot these days about free speech on various platforms but since when was it socially acceptable to point our fingers and hurl insults and accusations just because we felt like it? Remember when that kind of person was the reason everybody left the party early? Now, it seems, every one has the right to say whatever comes to mind whenever it comes to mind. Everybody shouts, nobody listens. We have a sense of entitlement because we've scrolled past chapter on humility and grace.

We could all learn something from the practice of rei. Stop, think and reflect before you do or say something that you might regret later. You might be angry. You may very well have a good point. Wait…put your arms and your weapons down, take a deep breath and bow first. I bet your response will different.

Dave Magliano

Tatsu Dojo

Jissenkan Budo

Dojo Cho