Rei
Rei ( jap. 礼 ) is a Japanese expression of thanks and courtesy that is used in Germany, especially in Japanese martial arts ( Budō ), in conjunction with a bow. In Japan itself, it is deeply rooted in society. Rei is used by school classes at the beginning of classes or at company meetings.
In the Budo disciplines, a lesson begins and ends with a common bow ( rei ni hajimari , rei ni owaru ). The type, number and execution of these bows depends on the dōjō . In general, bowing is made to the Shōmen ( Shōmen ni rei ) and / or to the teacher ( Sensei ni rei ), which is also called greetings in Germany . In disciplines in which the sword is used, bowing to the sword ( katana ni rei) belong to the greeting. This bow has no religious meaning, but is to be understood as a gesture of politeness: "Thank you for allowing me to practice here."
Whether a bow to the respective partner ( Otagai ni rei ) is required before the start of each individual exercise depends on the usual customs in the dojo. The bow can be done while sitting ( 座 礼 , Tsarei ) or standing ( 立 礼 , Ritsurei ).
The meditation phase, which is concluded by the Rei, is often initiated by Mokusō (a form of meditation).