to bow or not to bow

[lain]

Hi everyone, Does anyones martial arts style require them to bow to a higher rank when they enter the dojo? As a Christian how do you feel about this?

[Jimmothy]

IMO I think that it is fine to bow out of respect. If you make them your idol than it would be wrong. This is off the subject but i have been hearing people talk about some kind of war in one of the threads did i miss something?:dizzy:

[Gypsy]

First off, I moved this thread. It kinda fits better in the General area. Second, I also bow to my instructors and fellow students during class. My instructor makes it clear that it is a sign of proper respect, and it's not any kind of worship. It's a way of acknowledging either a higher rank or a sparring partner.

[uc pseudonym]

Yes, in the necessary situations, I bow.

One minor but somewhat important point to make is what we mean by the word "bow." An acceptable bow for most martial arts is at the waist. When it refers to bowing in the Bible, most of the time we're thinking of someone lying prostrate on the ground. If a martial art asked me to do that, that would be going to far, in my opinion.

[Psycho Ann]

I'm fine with bowing as a form of respect. But if it's to "worship" then heck no. Even in the dojo we bow to the center and then sensei. Most of the time we're almost prostrated since we're bowing while in a seiza.

I'd like to think in term of our state of mind when the Bible says to "bow". If we're not worshipping or "acknowledging greatness" then I wouldn't mind.

Unless someone tells me to bow to a statue of a god or something. *I* might not be worshipping the darn thing in mind and heart but the act just sickens me enough to refuse to do it in body too.

[Stephen]

I think its fine as long as its a respect thing...from what I have seen it is only a way to show respect to your fellow people in the group, or the teacher. I see no issue with it.

[minjigga]

yah. i agree with everyone here. bowing out of respect is fine. its respect and they deserve it.
but bowing to idolize is bad and bowing to objects is also bad. thats the way i see it.

[Shinja]

yeah i dont mind bowing out of respect, thats kinda like a hand shake. but when i took karate we were told to bow for certian things that i didnot feel were right even if it was just respect. so i didnt. though it took me a while to make that desision i feel i made the right choice in the end.

[WhiteÃ…ngel]

I'm glad Shatterheart directed me to this thread .. I was wondering about this... I feel it's ok, but wanted a second opinion.
I'm glad we are on the same mindset. respect where respect, worship where worship...

thanks...