Respect

Do not forget that karate-do begins and ends with rei.
-Gichin Funakoshi

Master Gichin Funakoshi penned this as the first of his Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate. On face we practice rei every session when we bow at the beginning and end of class. Simple, right? The concept of respect in karate carries a much deeper meaning that, when we start to truly understand, profoundly impacts our practice, relationship with our peers, and our enjoyment of life.

The English translation of rei could be summarized by the concepts of “respect”, “etiquette”, or “manners”. In reality the term rei is much more complex. If we hear the term at all it typically refers to the traditional bow used at several occasions during our karate training. We bow when we enter the dojo, step onto the training mat, start class, drill with a partner, and at the end of each. One can easily fall into the trap of performing this as muscle memory. It should be a mindful act filled with conscious focus on the reason for each bow. But why is this important at all?

People naturally form impressions of us based on non-verbal actions. Deliberate application of the practice of rei signals an intent of honesty and goodwill. When someone practices rei in the form of a bow, I envision a pause in their activity, quiet attention, and deliberate movements that show only this moment occupies their mind. It conveys attention on the subject whether the dojo, the training floor, the instructor, or a partner. When we gift time and attention to others we gift two of the most precious resources we possess. Rei signals that we gift them consciously and willingly. We show the importance of the moment and that we will provide our personal best towards it. Compare this to a half-hearted bow with eyes elsewhere. What did you feel about this person’s intent? Was the bow or subject at all on their mind, or were they focused on something else? If they performed this bow to you as a partner, would you feel they were focused on performing techniques properly so you could practice?

Rei also signals to ourselves the importance of what we are about to engage. Stopping to think about why we are there gently pulls our mind into that moment. It prepares the mind and body to shift away from other distractions so we can put full attention on our training. I see this strongly associated with the concept of mindfulness - being “in the moment”. Other areas take advantage of queue to focus the mind on a task: preparing a specific area for study or an athlete’s routine prior to a game. When mindful we draw our attention fully to the current activity and eliminate external distractions. This certainly helps with physical aspects of karate-do. But it also helps us explore our feelings, understand our body, and become more attuned to how and why we behave the way we do towards ourselves and others.

We can consider the concept of rei at so many levels. Perhaps I’m wrong about my thoughts on the subject. Regardless I hope to perform my study of rei with a respect that forgives misunderstandings as I learn. On the whole, I believe that the karate-do journey begins with a respect towards knowledge, understanding, and kindness. The end, the ultimate goal of karate-do, is not the perfect physical technique but the appreciation and respect of life and community. As a fallable human I will likely never attain perfection in this effort. But through conscious practice of all aspects of karate-do I hope to always be better tomorrow than I am today.

The next time you bow to your parter, be mindful of the opportunity to make it a meaningful act. Stand at attention, look them in the eye, and bow with a deliberate focus that shows they are foremost in your mind. You thank them for being there without which you could not practice. You promise them you will do your best to help them. You promise that you will do no harm, and if so it was honestly unintentional. You entrust their promise of the same. You respect them and the practice of your art.