AOKK Bow by the Steps:

The Bow is not merely ceremonial. It is however performed before every kata, and there is hidden bunkai (Self-defense) behind its’ movements. The AOKK Isshin-ryu bow has two sections the first is the common bow used to show respect in class for other students while the second is a symbolic more formal salutation. Both parts have basic self-defense applications and are not simply icing on the cake. Learning to bow properly is the first step to learning Isshin-ryu karate. Not all Isshin-ryu schools teach this bow. It comes from Don Nagel the first American instructor in our linage. Over the years it has evolved and become highly stylized. Shimabuku Tatsuo sensei simply brought his hand together in front of his obi and then stepped into a ready position while rotating his hand outside his hipline. Harold Mitchum sensei also performs the initial bow in the Shimabuku manner, yet sensei Mitchum brings his hands together at chest level and then rotates them downwards at the completion of the form like Nagel sensei. Angi Uezu  sensei  begins and ends his kata similar to Nagle sensei while Shimabuku Kichiro sensei is in the middle. We perform this bow, even though it has become highly stylized, similar to the way it was done by Don Nagle to deservedly honor him.

Step 1:

The Bow:

• Begin from a ready position [Heiko Dachi].
  • Feet shoulder width apart, and pointing straight ahead. 
  • Fists slightly outside your hips.
  • Back straight and chin up with eyes looking straight ahead
• Step back into a Informal Attention Position [Musubi-dachi]
  • Heels together feet on a forty-five degree angle
  • Fingers straight with the thumbs tucked
  • Hands rest on the crease of your trousers

Note: In Musubi-dachi the feet are pointed outward. This allows you to move on angle outside an opponent’s linear attack. It is also a non-aggressive posture.

• Turn into Formal Attention Position [Heisoku-dachi]
  • Feet come together toes touching
  • Fingers straight with the thumbs tucked
  • Hands rest on the crease of your trousers

Note: In Heisoku-dachi the feet are straight. This allows you to move forwards quickly if you intend to make a preemptive strike. This is part of Sen-Sen-No-Sen. When you know the opponent is about to attack, you attack first. Even their slightest movement is your signal to move forwards. This can be problematic because it may look as though you’ve thrown the first blow.

• Bow: Bend at the waist on a forty–five degree angle.
  • Feet remain together with toes touching
  • Hands rotate to the front of your trousers
  • As you bend at the waist your eyes look upwards

Note: We do not bow eyes down because it leaves you vulnerable. Do not lift your head. Only lift your eyes

• Return to the Formal Attention Position [Heisoku-dachi]
  • Feet come together toes touching
  • Fingers straight with the thumbs tucked
  • Hands rest on the crease of your trousers
• Return to the Informal Attention Position [Musubi-dachi]
  • Heels together feet on a forty-five degree angle
  • Fingers straight with the thumbs tucked
  • Hands rest on the crease of your trousers

The Formal Salutation:

• Formal Salutation Part-1
  • Remain in Musubi-dachi
  • Present the left hand palm up
  • Present the right hand palm up and place it inside the left hand

Note: The symbolic message is that I come armed but in peace.

Note: This is also a part of a self-defense technique. (Wristlock)

• Formal Salutation Part-2
  • Feet come together with the toes and heels touching [Heisoku-dachi]
  • Bend your elbows and raise your finger tips to pointing to your nose.
  • The right hand gets balled into a fist behind the left open hand.

Note: The symbolic message is that karate is my shield. It also symbolizes that karate is for defense only as the shield is typically used for defense in battle. The open hand points to the mouth symbolizing that I will not speak and provoke my adversary.

Note: This is also a part of a self-defense technique. (wristlock)

• Formal Salutation Part-3
  • Remain in Heisoku-dachi
  • Roll the hands down towards your (belt) obi knot.

Note: The left hand remains straight and pivots on knuckle of the right fist as the salutation is pushed downwards.

Note: The symbolic message is that karate is my secret weapon and I am prepared for battle. In other words this is your last warning.

• Final Position is a return to the Ready Position
  • Feet shoulder width apart, and pointing straight ahead.
  • Fists rotate slightly outside your hips
  • Back straight and chin up with eyes looking straight ahead

Note: The chin is up to show confidence and a warning to the karateka to be alert in a personal combat situation.

Note: Not all kata return from the salutation to the Ready Position, but every student bow must.