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Kneeling Bow

• Kneeling Attention Stance. From a standing attention stance, step left foot backward and toward the right extending the toes and ankle, kneel on left knee with top of left foot flat on floor just right of the centerline of the body. Step right foot backward and toward the left extending toes and ankle, kneel on right knee with top of right foot flat on floor with toes overlapping the toes of left foot. Sit on the ankles with body vertical and straight, face forward with head erect, place palms on upper thighs with fingers toward the inside of the thighs.

• Traditional Kneeling Bows. From kneeling stance, bend upper body forward at waist with head and eyes lowered, while sliding both hands down the thighs and beside the knees. Hand movements show there is no threat, and thus show a sign of trust. Bow then return to the upright position.

  • For persons junior to you. Bow slightly while sliding both hands down the thighs and beside the knees until fingertips are just touching the floor.

  • For person equal to you. Bow a little deeper while sliding both hands down the thighs and beside the knees until hands are flat on floor. Then slide hands forward; pointing fingertips inward until they are parallel with the kneecaps.

  • For person senior to you. Bow even deeper until forehead is about 8 to 10 inches above floor. The hands are moved closer together until fingertips almost touch.

  • Formal military bow. Very formal bow predominantly used in military circles. Forehead is bowed to a point approximately 6 inches above floor, the fingertips almost touching.

• Nobility Bow. Reserved for the presence of nobility. Bow descends to its lowest point with the back parallel to floor, fingertips touching.

• Other Kneeling Bows Used in Schools

  • Some schools use a two-step method of placing hands on floor. Most common way is to place left hand, then right hand. Hands are retracted in opposite order. Belief is that placement of the left hand on floor first is derived from the swordsman's practice of placing left hand down first. The left hand is needed to secure the scabbard, while the right hand grasps the handle to draw the sword. By placing left hand onto the floor first, the swordsman seriously impaired his ability to draw his weapon, and thus shows trust and respect.

  • Some schools slide hands forward and simultaneously place them on floor. Belief is that placing one hand on floor followed by the other shows a lack of trust, while placing both hands on floor shows the least threat and greatest trust.

When bowing-in, some schools bow twice, clap hands twice, and bow a third time. This is more of a Buddhist religious bow.

Some schools use semi-closed hand bows. Hands are placed knuckles down with thumbs forward in the appearance of a loose fist. Belief is that, along with the above sword draw explanation, since open hand would still allow a swordsman to draw his sword, the loose fist with the thumbs forward shows there is no threat.

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