Bowing

Standing Bow

• From Standard Attention Stance. Stand with the body vertical and straight, face forward with head erect, feet side-by-side with heels and toes touching, legs straight but not locked, arms and hands at the side of the body, hands held straight and flat with fingers held tightly together and thumb tucked in with palms against the side of the legs (close-leg stance).
• Traditional Bow. From attention stance, bend the upper body approximately 30 degrees forward with the head and eyes lowered, then return to the upright position. It is important to keep the head and eyes lowered as a sign of respect; it is considered rude not to do so. 
• Combat Bow. Another type of Taekwondo bow is the combat bow. Similar to the traditional bow, it is used as a sign of respect to the opponent, but it also shows preparedness by guarding against a sneak attack. The combat bow motion is similar to the traditional bow except for hand position. When standing at attention, instead of holding flat palms against the sides of the legs, hold the hands in tight fists with knuckles facing forward with the thumbs touching the sides of the legs. To perform the combat bow, bend the upper body approximately 15 degrees forward while keeping the eyes on the opponent. Since you are preparing for a possible attack, do not lower the eyes; keep your eyes on the other person. In combat, you show respect for the opponent but still maintain vigilance. While bowing, bring the arms forcibly up in front of the body, forearms parallel, fists in front of lower face with knuckles facing outward. Then return body to the upright position, returning the arms to their original position. Clenched fist bowing is not common in the traditional martial arts, but there are exceptions. The sumo performs a clenched fist bow before he begins his attack, and in some forms of kenjutsu and Kempo, practitioners sometimes kneel on one knee and place a fist on the floor as a form of acknowledgement or salute.
• Business Card Bow. Business cards in the West are treated with about as much respect as paper clips, but in the East, handing a card to a person is a small ritual of respect. When handing your business card to an Easterner, hold the top corner in each hand, with the card facing the person, and bow. The other person will usually receive the card with both hands while also bowing. When handing a card to a stranger, information on the card will provide the other person with your status so they will know how to bow to you. When in doubt about the other person's rank, bow slightly lower and a little longer.
• Passing Bow. Occasionally, you may be forced to pass in front of someone, which is impolite. Excuse yourself by bowing slightly and holding out your right hand with the edge downward as if you are cutting your way, and offer a quiet apology. 
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