Why do we Bow in Martial Arts: The
History and Importance of the Act of Bowing
By: Bruce McCorry's Martial Arts Center
220 Newbury St
Peabody MA 01960
Phone:
(978) 535-7878
Email:
info@brucemccorrys.com
Web:
If you have ever
watched martial arts or its representations in movies, it is hard to miss the
practice of bowing that martial artists often do. Some learners who are new
into martial arts often bow mechanically, without understanding the
significance it has in martial arts or without knowing how such a simple act
can help the person who does it. If you are a martial artist or want to be one,
knowing the significance and benefits of bowing can help you to advance both in
martial arts and life.
A Practice with a
Past: The History of Bowing
Bowing is a customary
way of acknowledging each other or showing mutual respect in many Eastern cultures.
Its roots could be specifically Japanese, to the rules of manner and demeanor
that developed in Japan under the influence of Confucian tradition. This
traditional etiquette could have been present along with the various self-defense
and military techniques from which early Asian martial arts took birth, thus
one forming an integral part of another. In modern martial arts cultures,
therefore you find the practitioners often bowing to the instructor, to each
other, while entering and leaving the arena, before and after a particular
practice session and so on. The exact nature and traditions of bowing change,
depending upon the martial art under question and the tradition from which it
hails.
Bowing Myths: What It
Is Not
There are many myths
surrounding bowing, which makes us feel alienated from the custom. Some of them
need to be busted to understand the act of bowing:
- It is an Asian counterpart of a handshake or hug: This is a common myth. A bow is NOT just a counterpart of handshake or hug, which respectively indicate acquaintance and/or intimacy in Western cultures. The bow can connote these, but can also mean respect, gratitude, acknowledgement, humility and much more.
- Bowing is religious: This too is a myth. Bowing is a cultural and social expression and gesture. It is often adopted into religious contexts, but intrinsically it is not religious.
- Bowing connotes inferiority: It does not. It indicates your humility and recognition of another person’s worth, but it never connotes your inferiority because in all bowing situations, two persons bow to each other and not one to another.
Bowing: What It Is and
How It Can Help
It is important to
separate bowing from its myth and know it for what it is.
- It indicates respect/gratitude toward the person across you.
- It connotes your humbleness in front of the vast knowledge that everyone embodies.
- It connotes the spirit of positivity that is innate in competition.
- It indicates your integrity and sincerity as an artist.
At professional
martial art schools like Bruce McCorry’s Academy, bowing forms a regular part
of martial arts etiquette. It helps to create many values in learners,
especially kids. Learners can clear their mind and focus their attention before
a class through bowing. On a practical level, bowing helps to improve social
skills, boosts respect for others, respect toward the work that you do,
integrity toward duty, and gratitude for the blessings you have been given. By
practicing bowing in martial art sessions, you can grow as a person dedicated
to your own passions and humble to acknowledge another one’s knowledge.
By: Bruce McCorry's Martial Arts Center
220 Newbury St
Peabody MA 01960
Phone:
(978) 535-7878
Email:
info@brucemccorrys.com
Web:
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