REIGI 礼儀 - Etiquette

In Japanese martial arts (Budo), Reigi (礼儀) is the foundation of practice. It is often said, Budō wa rei ni hajimari, rei ni owaru 武道は礼に始まり礼に終わる means "Budo begins and ends with Rei."

A Note on the Kanji "BU" (武)

​If you look at the kanji for "Bu" (武) in Budo, it is composed of two parts:

1. ​止 (Tomaru): To stop.
2. ​戈 (Hoko): Spear/Halberd.

​In Japanese philosophy, the true meaning of "Martial" (Bu) is actually "to stop the spear." Therefore, Budo is the path of ending conflict. Rei is the primary tool used to achieve that peace.

                                  

                                     RECITE

These commands are the standard formal etiquette (Reigi) used at the beginning and end of a traditional Japanese martial arts practice (Keiko). They establish respect for the tradition, the teacher, and one's training partners.

​1. Shomen Ni Rei (正面に礼)

• ​Kanji: 正面 (Shomen) + に (ni) + 礼 (Rei)
• ​Breakdown: * Shomen: Sho (correct/true) + Men (face/surface). It refers to the "front" of the dojo, where the shrine (Kamiza) or a picture of the founder is usually located.
  • ​Rei: Bow / Etiquette / Respect.
• ​Meaning: "Bow to the front." This acknowledges the history of the art and the sacred space of the dojo.

​2. Sensei Ni Rei (先生に礼)

• ​Kanji: 先生 (Sensei) + に (ni) + 礼 (Rei)
• ​Breakdown: * Sensei: Sen (before) + Sei (life/birth). Literally "one who came before." It is the title for your teacher.
• ​Meaning: "Bow to the teacher." This is a sign of gratitude for the instruction provided.

​3. Otagai Ni Rei (お互いに礼)

• ​Kanji: お互い (Otagai) + に (ni) + 礼 (Rei)
• ​Breakdown: * Otagai: Mutual / Each other.
• ​Meaning: "Bow to each other." This signifies that both partners are essential for growth and that you will protect each other's safety during practice.

​4. Kiritsu (起立)

• ​Kanji: 起立 (Kiritsu)
• ​Breakdown: * Ki: Wake up / Rise.
  • ​Ritsu: Stand up / Establish.
• ​Meaning: "Stand up." This command is given to signal the end of the formal kneeling (Seiza) portion of the ceremony.

Peace and harmony,

Sensei Maharaj 😊