Rei - The greeting

Rei is a japanese expression of thanks and politeness. The term Rei means: greeting, courtesy, gratitude, reward. Reishiki / Reigi - etiquette, formality, ceremonial, Keirei - greeting, bowing. In Japan, this expression is deeply rooted in the society. Sun Rei is used by schools at the beginning of class or business meetings. The salute is not only an expression of courtesy or a certain friendliness between the practitioner, it is the "soul of Judo". To talk to a practice partner sloppy or not to greet comes as an insult. The same meaning is the greeting at the beginning and end of each kata. This subordination to the higher is important for the spirit of Budo. It develops humility in the general attitude towards life. The first battle that must be won is that against itself.

In budo disciplines an training hour begins and ends with a common bow (Rei ni Hajimari, rei ni owaru), in general, bows to the teacher (sensei ni rei). A basic distinction is between the greeting while sitting and the greeting while standing.

Za rei - The bow while sitting

Bows while kneeling you will do before the beginning and end of each exercise session in a line. Students and teachers sit facing each other. Even before and after practicing ground activities (Ne waza) you will greet on your knees.

Ritsu rei - The bow while standing

A bow while standing is the proper way to ask for a partner to practice and to thank them after practice and adopt. Each bow is a promise to respect the principles of judo best of our ability. The bow after practice is the thanks to the partner that you could learn with him and from him.

Sensei ni rei - The bow to the teacher

Sensei ni rei called the greeting to the teacher or master. As a carrier of the ideal, student greets him in a sign of respect towards the higher. The same meaning are the forms of greeting: Sempai ni rei and Shihan ni rei.
Sempai ni rei is the greeting to the elders, who teaches the students in the same way as the Sensei. On the same principle is the greeting of the low graduate to any higher graduate.
Shihan or Hanshi are referred to a Budo graduation from the higher stages of the path. These masters are outside of the class and are only for special occasions together with the students in the dojo.

Otagai ni rei - The bow to the training partner

Otogai ni rei is the second greeting, the one used in training. It is done while standing (Ritsu rei). Otagai ni rei will be done to the practitioners to each other and expresses the basic respect that a person owes to the other. It is used as a greeting at the beginning of training. Before and after the combination and partner training, in gratitude for the help of a partner or as a polite greeting of guests.