Before I post about the different Aikido techniques, I would start this blog with the etiquette that Aikidokas should observe specially once we are in the dojo. To start with, I would like to discuss the concept of REI or bowing.
Rei means more than just the physical motion of bowing. Rei- an essential part of Budo (martial way) practice- is generally translated as "respect and appreciation or gratitude". Thus when you are bowing to your Sensei or fellow practitioner, you are expressing your gratitude and respect.
Ritsurei (standing bow)
 |
| Ritsurei - standing bow |
Upon entering or leaving the dojo, one should do a standing bow. While standing on a natural posture, bend your upper body forward about 30 to 45 degrees. Hands should be in front, with fingertips lightly touching the front of his thighs just above the knees. Keeping the hands on the sides while bowing is another proper way to do it.
One should also perform the retsurei before stepping into and leaving the mat,
Rei is part of the Japanese culture. Often times none-Japanese Aikidokas (practioners) adopts this culture of bowing even when meeting outside the dojo.
Zarei
 |
| Zarei |
Zarei, is performed before starting and ending the training proper. In a typical Aikido dojo, during the starting and closing ceremony, it is done three times;
- to show respect and gratitude to the Sensei's;
- to show respect and gratitude to the fellow practitioners; and
- to show respect and gratitude to O'Sensei.
During practice, we bow to the Sensei(s) after they demonstrated the technique to be performed, and we bow to our partner before practicing that technique, when switching roles as uke and nage, and when we stop the practice.
In both ritsurei and zarei it is considered a bad form to bend your head forward that you are exposing your nape to the person in front of you.
Image source: Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere.
references:
http://www.britishbirankai.com/content/view/14/29/
http://www.aikido-aidas.lt/en/dojo/aikido-etiquette
No comments:
Post a Comment