TAI SHI KAI WADO-RYU

Rei

The bow or Rei is central to the Japanese culture and more importantly to Karate. In Karate as in life you should respect yourself and others. We are all creatures of the universe and therefore we should respect our own life and the life of all of those around us. In Martial Arts it is extremely important to show respect to your Shihan, to your Senseis, to your Sempai and to your training partners by bowing to them. They will return the Rei showing mutual respect. The Rei should be performed with your hands on your thighs (fingers straight and thumbs tucked) and at the same time keeping your eyes on your Sensei or training partner. You must also bow upon entering or leaving the Dojo. A student should never be late for class but if you are then you should sign in, complete your kneeling Rei and then wait for the instructor to invite you to join the class.

Should a student need to speak to, or ask a higher grade a question then they must bow before and after addressing them as a mark of respect for their grade. The higher grade will return the bow. If you need to leave the Dojo for any reason you must bow to the instructor in charge of the class and ask permission to do so. The student must bow

to the instructor upon returning to the Dojo.

When in doubt BOW

Shihan congratulating Sempai Mark Lowe

on passing his 2^nd dan grading