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I have noticed two types of bowing. Some people tend to keep their neck straight and let their head move with their back as they bow while some tend to keep their head up as if to keep their eyes on the opponent

Is there any difference in origin between these two types of bowing? Is it personal preference? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Which to you do?

I do the former: keep my neck straight.

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We keep our eyes on our partner as a sign of respect. Other than that, I don't think it matters - most people on the street don't actually bow to one anotehr before they fight.

American Kenpo Karate- First Degree Black Belt

"He who hesitates, meditates in a horizontal position."

Ed Parker

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We in TKD (at least the TKD I have done) keep our eyes down, as it is a sign that you don't trust them when you bow and look in Korea (I guess). So, when we bow, we look down, to show humility.

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In not sure of the origin of each, but i can certainly tell you what we do in our style.

Our bow comes from the hips, like most(if not all). Head stays inline with spine and follows the path of the bow. Eyes dont look directly at opponent or directly down but towards the ground at a distance of about 2 metres infront.

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The advantages and disadvantages of certain types of bowing...?

Personally, at my school, I'm head up. NEVER take eyes off opponent.

But it is very trivial in the grand scheme of my school/art.

If it works, use it!

If not, throw it out!

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The advantages and disadvantages of certain types of bowing...?

Personally, at my school, I'm head up. NEVER take eyes off opponent.

But it is very trivial in the grand scheme of my school/art.

Agreed. Its a method of showing respect, different styles do it differently, im sure there are reasons why.

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In our system, it is considered very disrespectful to look at your opponent as you bow, though I've learned the opposite in other systems, and I personally prefer never to keep my eyes off of my opponent. However, eye to eye contact with a potential opponent can certainly be a sign of aggression and intent to dominate.

With respect,

Sohan

"If I cannot become one of extraordinary accomplishment, I will not walk the earth." Zen Master Nakahara Nantenbo


"A man who has attained mastery of an art reveals it in his every action." Samuarai maxim


"Knowing others is wisdom; knowing yourself is Enlightenment." Lao-Tzu

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well in japan its a common place when greeting a person or saying bye you bow but its usally slight i think it depends on the culture in my dojo it depends we do more of a japanese we r friends bow

White belt for life

"Destroy the enemies power but leave his life"

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I was taught to always look at your opponent when you bow and i have always done it this way.

IMO i think you should always look at your opponent

The key to everything is continuity achieved by discipline.

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