Why and When Should we bow During a Kung Fu Class?
 North Americans are used to the old fashioned hand shake; however, in China the hand shake is second to the bow. There are many different types of bows. The standard Chinese Kung Fu bow is made with the right hand clenched into a fist, the left thumb bent, and the four fingers are stacked and straight. The palm of the left hand is placed over the fist with both elbows bent and arms forming a circle. The feet are together and posture is erect and the eyes are focused on the person that is being saluted.
The hands should be held at chest height. Many students will bring their hands higher when saluting their Sifu (instructor), accompanying it with a small bow. This shows greater respect. Never salute with your hands lower than chest level, since this signifies that you are superior to the person you are saluting and could be considered an insult if you are wrong.
Bow when entering and exiting the Kwoon (School) to honor the space, your martial ancestors, your teacher's teachers and the founders of the style. Bow to show that you will work hard to preserve the art and pass it on to future generations. Bow when greeting your Sifu and his instructors to show respect for the hard ships they endured to achieve those positions. Bow to anyone that you might train with, especially in sparing (fighting). This signifies that you will work together on your skills without trying to injure each other. Bow at the beginning and ending of class to signify that your attention during class will be undivided. Always bow first. Do not wait for your Sifu to bow to you. This demonstrates your alertness, quick reflexes and most importantly, your respect.
Written By Sifu Rino Côté
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