Bowing | ||
Written by Rachel | ||
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Chinese
custom
In Chinese culture is has always been
customary to bow at certain times.
Most martial arts classes require some degree of bowing.
Japanese schools use the kowtow (head knocking) quite a lot whereas Chinese
schools reserve this for special occasions.
In a tai chi class, a polite bow
can help to encourage an environment of respect and mutual consideration.
Acknowledgement
Bowing to the founder of the school is a show of
respect.
It is akin to going to somebody's house for a meal/party and finding
the host to say "Hello" and thanking them for inviting you.
You are not being asked to humble yourself.
The custom is about being friendly and polite.
Favour is given to the left hand
of gentleness
Rather than the right hand
of force.
(Lao Tzu)
The tai chi bow/salute
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Hold your right fist palm down in front of your sternum. Place your left
hand on top.
Bend to a 30° bow, with your eyes to the ground.
Pause, then straighten-up.
The right hand symbolises yang/power/combat. The left hand indicates
yin/restraint/compassion.
Tai chi - entering the hall
Do not bow to the room. Reserve your bow for people.
Bowing to the hall is a Japanese custom, not Chinese.
e.g. imagine that you enter the hall wearing a coat and carrying a
bag?
The correct method would be to place your bag on the ground upon entering
the training hall. Not on a chair first. Bow to Sifu Waller.
This is asking permission to enter.
When Sifu Waller returns your bow, pick up your bag, take off your coat etc.
If Sifu is busy or holding something
What is if Sifu Waller has a glass of water in his hand? How exactly is
he supposed to return your bow?
Show some common sense.
The correct method would be to wait until Sifu Waller has put down
whatever he is holding (or has finished his conversation/teaching). Be
patient. Wait politely.
Qigong & tai chi -
7:00 PM
Our class officially begins at 7:00 PM.
At 7:00 PM, the whole class forms a circle and bows to the instructor.
This process is led by a student:
Make a fist with your right hand and cover with your left
Bow & say "Good evening Rachel"
Rachel will return the bow
Partner work
When commencing any kind of partner work, begin by bowing to your practice
partner.
This confirms that they are ready.
Bowing before partner work serves to focus the mind, settle the emotions and
encourage more productive training.
It reminds students that they are training a martial art and that messing
about or talking can lead to injury.
When the drill is over, bow again and say thank you.
Group work
For group partner work, the group bow to the person in the centre - to
confirm readiness. The student in the centre then bows back, acknowledging
this.
At the end, the centre student bows to the group, signifying conclusion of
the drill. The group bow back, indicating compliance.
Tai chi -
end of class
To end the class, the whole class forms a circle and bows to the instructor.
This process is led by a student:
Make a fist with your right hand and cover with your left
Bow & say "Thank you, Sifu"
Sifu Waller will return the bow
End of class
Do not approach Sifu Waller or Rachel to ask questions after the bow. The lesson has ended and you should leave.
If you're going to bow, then bow
sincerely.
(Lao Tzu)
Page created
18 April 1995
Last updated
1 November 1996
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