Last Updated on Saturday, 02 January 2010 21:43 Thursday, 02 December 2004 10:05

Information about Zen Do Kai's traditional bowing ceremony. This is still practised in various formats today.

 

Traditionally this is done in 'seiza' (kneeling position), with the fists closed and resting on top of the thighs.

The highest rank in class acknowledges the style and the founder.

The next highest rank acknowledges the teacher/instructor, with their name, rank and teaching title.

The next highest rank acknowledges the dojo, the students, instructors and all that is encompassed as 'Zen.'

Students below Brown Belt Bow till the chest touches the top of the fists that are resting on the thighs.

Brown Belt students have their hands open on the thighs and Bow till the chest touches the back of their hands.

Black Belts also have their hands open at the commencement of the Bow, but place their hands in front of them on the floor, thumbs outstretched each touching the other. This forms a diamond shape between the thumbs and the outstretched fingers. The Bow is conducted until the forehead touches the back of the hands.

Today some clubs still do this although it is also common for the bowing ceremony to be conducted in standing position.

 

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