sEIWA KAI NEWSLETTER ISSUE 3 - Great Lakes Seiwa-Kai 五大湖 ...

'Shomen ni taishite Rei' [Zarei-sitting bow to front] or 'Shinzen ni taishite Rei' [if atshrine or temple]'Shihan ni taishite Rei' - [Zarei-sitting bow towards Shihan if present]Beginning of class; Say 'Onegai Shimasu'End of class; Say 'Arigato Gozai Mashita'.'Sensei ni taishite Rei' - [Zarei-sitting bow towards Sensei if present]Beginning of class; Say 'Onegai Shimasu'End of class; Say 'Arigato Gozai Mashita'.'Sempai ni taishite Rei' - [Zarei-sitting bow towards Sempai if present]Beginning of class; Say 'Onegai Shimasu'End of class; Say 'Arigato Gozai Mashita'.'Otagai ni Rei' [Zarei-sitting bow to each other-beginning of class]Beginning of class; Say 'Onegai Shimasu'End of class; Say 'Arigato Gozai Mashita'.'Otagai ni waka Rei' [Zarei-sitting bow to each other-end of class]Beginning of class; Say 'Onegai Shimasu'End of class; Say 'Arigato Gozai Mashita'.'Sotachi' [all raise] or 'Kiritsu' [stand up]'Ritsu Rei' [standing bow].This is a lot of bowing. However, not every bow applies to every class. Bowing is a way ofshowing respect thus building both character and discipline. We should also note that thisceremony is not religious in nature. It is an important part of the "Reishiki" which is focusedetiquette and is essential to Budo. Any martial art without mutual respect is just a fight. Some ofthe more common times to use Reishiki are:Beginning and the end of classesSeminar by Guest InstructorMudansha (student) Shinsa (Audition for Grade)Yudansha (Black Belt) Shinsa.Annual / Special Training sessionsWe cannot stress how important it is to follow the proper protocol regarding etiquette and gradein the Dojo nor how importantit is to bow before and after (inand out of) each exercisewhether formal or informal.Etiquette is an integral part ofBudo and without it we wouldbe practicing nothing morethan violence. The moretraining a person receives themore humble, dignified andcalm the Karatedo practitionershould become. The beginnermust practice etiquette in order to make him/herself a better person.11