Karate wa rei ni hajimari rei ni owaru: Karate begins with etiquette and ends with etiquette. Any traditional martial art could replace the word karate, but the meaning remains the same. On a purely literal level, rei means a bow, or salutation. However, the rei shows respect, and a person who shows respect -- especially to a potential enemy -- has the aura of quiet dignity. Such an aura can gain respect, and respect may prevent an altercation from occurring. Some one who is well-trained can tell a great deal by the persons bow, including their level of concentration an commitment. Some years ago, at a local tournament, one long-time practitioner could predict within tenths of a point how the judges would rate a persons form, simply by watching them bow. In this instance, the bow equates to the person whose posture and carriage prohibit mugging to a large extent. The would-be mugger doesnt look for one who carries him or herself confidently, but one whose attitude suggests weakness. Practiced correctly, the bow can carry over into everyday life, exuding the level of confidence necessary to avoid confrontation. Such avoidance is the ideal of the true martial artist.
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 18:51:57 +0000
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