This past weekend I was at the Grappling X Tournament in Elk Grove where there were many exciting gi and no-gi matches. In addition to some exciting moves, one thing that stood out from that day was the act of bowing. Some chose to bow and some didn't. It seemed many didn't really understand the significance of bowing. A few years ago I would have said that bowing didn't matter, and I didn't think much of bowing. However, a few recent experiences have helped change my perspective.
At the high school in Japan where I taught English and coached wrestling, the wrestling club practiced alongside the Kendo Club. In general, Kendo clubs are known for being very meticulous about following protocol. I remember one time when a young student neglected to bow to one of the visiting teachers. That student ended up receiving a harsh lecture on bowing for a solid hour. In many Japanese Martial Arts, especially in Kendo, there is a phrase, "start with a bow and end with a bow"「礼」にはじまり「礼」に終わる. People explain that it is not enough to just remember to bow. Rather, it is important to have the spirit or feeling of respect and honor while doing so. Many similarities can be drawn between Jiu-Jitsu and Kendo.
Jiu-Jitsu, like kendo, began as a Military Art with one objective, destroy your opponent. Over the years Jiu-Jitsu has changed into a Martial Art, a Self Defense, a way to build people with integrity and strengthen the body, mind and spirit. Going at it only with the intentions of obliterating your opponent would be uncivilized, and might as well be the same as a violent fistfight. Therefore, in Jiu-Jitsu, where character building is the emphasis, following proper etiquette is a must.
Obviously, bowing is an important way to show your respect toward someone. The act of bowing is also a way to quickly adjust your mind, body, spirit, and attitude. It is said that your body reflects your state of mind and spirit, and that the feeling of respect can be communicated through your bow. In Japan, where bowing goes hand in hand with greetings, bowing is considered a requirement for all human relationships. Bowing should not only reflect a sense of respect to your training partner, but also your thankfulness for your instructor, training grounds, and even to yourself and where you are in your daily life.
At the Grappling X Tournament some competitors would slap the mat out of frustration in defeat, and some would slap the mat and cheer out of joy for victory. Doing this would be looked down upon in many Japanese Martial Arts or not be tolerated at all. The reasoning behind this is that you should never forget to feel thankful and remain respectful towards your opponent who tried their very best in competition and trained with just as much emotional intensity for your battle.
From a layman's perspective, Jiu-Jitsu is a contest where two people are trying to break each others limbs or choke each other out. The reason Jiu-Jitsu is able to remain a contest and not turn into a brawl or quarrel is because the act of bowing is included. The bow signifies a spirit of mutual agreement to train together and make each other better. Since there exists a feeling of mutual modesty and humility, people are able to go at it with the utmost intensity and at the same time have no intention of hurting each other.
Some may say that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not a Japanese Martial Art and therefore you don't have to bow. If that's the case I recommend you go back to the top of the page and read the article again!
Eliot Kelly
916-595-4064
www.edhbjj.com
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