Bowing

Bowing variations

• 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.