KENDO TRAINING - bowing etiquette

Kendo Bowing, Standing and Sitting Etiquette

Kendo follows a strict code of etiquette, even standing has a method. The following illustrations show some of the standing, bowing and sitting etiquette. Etiquette in kendo is an art form and can only be truly mastered in the dojo with other kendoka and the teaching of a sensei.

Standing is done with the back straight and spine straight, heels together, head erect. When holding the sword the sword is allowed to be at an angle of about 30 degrees. Your posture is not stiff but a natural position, mind and body alert. The legendary Miyamoto Musashi mentions in his book "the five rings" that 'your everyday posture should be your fighting posture'.

Standing Bow

Bowing is an art form in Japan. In kendo the bow to an opponent while standing is a slight 10-15 degree angle of acknowledgement, while looking at the opponent. The sword is loosely held in the left hand.

Sitting

Sitting Bow

Sitting and bowing while sitting in kendo is always formal, except for special circumstances there is no relaxed sitting position. The illustration on the left is a series of steps to sit in the line up for class with just a shinai placed on the left side flush with the knees. The second illustration sequence is a bowing while sitting sequence. Mind and body must always be alert even when bowing or sitting.

Mokuso

Mokuso is the act of preparing your mind and body for battle at the beginning of kendo class, a method of stress reduction. While in the sitting seiza position place your right hand on your left hand thumbs lightly touching. Take a few short deep breaths, extending your stomach to breathe in and pushing in your stomach to exhale. Your eyes are partially open, and alert. The illustration shows the hand positioning for mokuso.

Kendo Match Bowing is a strict series of motions. The illustration on the left shows how to bow for a kendo match.