I recently joined a Kung-fu club and got my white belt/sash. Ive seen the students bow to the master, (one fist is closed, the other hand is flat over the other one). I just wanted to know, is it left over right, or right over left? does it even matter?
I don't want to seem disrespectful. Thanks in advance for answers.
2007-10-28 22:38:43 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
The bowing depends on the style.
Chinese styles usually use the left hand over the right and bow. The longer the bow the more respect you are showing.
You should also bow from your hips and keep your body straight.
In a Japanese system the only difference is that your hands are at their side not in front.
I was always taught and teach left over right in Kenpo and then on the sides with shotokan.
hope that helps and to be respectful just make sure you bow lower than the teacher and do not look them in the eyes.
2007-10-29 04:16:18 · answer #1 · answered by Legend Gates Shotokan Karate 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just do it the way the rest of the class does it. The meaning is mostly lost here in the western culture. In some estern cultures the flat hand touching the fist would be an insult. It could be taken as a challenge. The hand should be covering partly closed as to slightly conceal "protecting" the left hand symbolizing protecting the heart or spirit of the art.
I'm sure as in our school It is a gesture to show respect for the tradition and the roots of the art.
The bow should be from the waist, head facing so as to look at the instructor. Bow only slightly lower than the instructor or Master.
Bow should be held just slightly longer than the Master or instructor. The most important thing is to be attentive and respect full. This Should be appreciated. At the least it will keep you in an open attitude to learn.
2007-10-29 08:47:02 · answer #2 · answered by SiFu frank 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I stay in Indonesia, which has the international's best inhabitants of Muslims. and that i've got by no skill heard of absolutely everyone having hardship with traditions of bowing in any martial artwork, eastern or otherwise. on your case, although, it relies upon on your college's coverage related to etiquette. yet like pugpaws, David, and Aaron spoke of: as long as they are able to maintain a deferential suggestions-set on a similar time as in college, why not in straightforward terms accommodate them? those days, in Japan, bowing to a diverse individual is merely hassle-free courtesy. So in the event that they're polite on a similar time as in college, it won't be too lots of a issue, appropriate? On yet another observe, on a similar time as some eastern dojos are heavily linked with faith (early Aikido dojos case in point, have been tight with the Omoto-kyo sect), it isn't the way maximum dojos perform. And that's first and optimal (and additionally actually) a place to examine the "way".
2016-12-15 11:30:58 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, from what I know of it, the fist in palm bow from Kung Fu supposedly originated from the way ancient chinese swordsmen bowed with a sword in one hand. Normally, a swordsman carried his sheathed sword in his left hand so he can quickly draw it with his right hand(if he was right handed). When bowing to another swordsman, he clasps the swordbearing left hand with his right palm to show respect, but still prepared for any sudden attack. But during peace times when greeting civilians or officials, the reverse is used(sword in right hand clasped by the left) to show that the swordsman has no intention of drawing his sword and therefore uses his sword hand to carry the sword and make it harder to draw quickly. This practice was carried over to the empty hand arts and is usually done with the right hand in a fist and the left palm down over it.
2007-10-29 02:54:56 · answer #4 · answered by Shienaran 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If u are a white belt, u put both hands by ur side and bow. Period, it is respect, later on u can go hand crazy.
2007-10-28 22:47:39 · answer #5 · answered by philkill 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's different for different schools. At my dojo, we bow with the hands at the side, bending your waiste, but keeping your eyes up.
2007-10-29 01:25:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make a fist with your right hand, the left hand open and covering it. Yes, it does matter.
2007-10-29 00:03:12 · answer #7 · answered by Ray H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
And the lower your rank, the lower and longer your bow. Always looking at the person but you should bow first, then wait for them to end their bow, then you end yours.
2007-10-29 09:49:34 · answer #8 · answered by Darth Scandalous 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what martial art you are doing. I recommend asking an advance student or your instructor
2007-10-29 01:50:40 · answer #9 · answered by Evan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would think the instructor would be able to tell you...
Why not ask the advanced students? Are you afraid?
Wouldn't it be worse to assume you know and get it wrong rather than risk appearing unlearned by asking and get it right?
2007-10-28 22:42:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋