Bowing in and out of class:

At the beginning and end of every lesson, the tradition of showing respect between students and instructors is expressed through the actions of the “Formal Bow”

1. Attention stance (stand straight, eyes forward, chin up, hands flat on sides of hip
   
2. Instructor says “Rie” (Bow)
   
3. Bend/bow forward 45 degrees with straight back, pause, then stand straight
   
4. Instructor says “Seiza” (Kneel)
   
5. Right leg down onto the knee, then left leg down, setting down onto your shins with feet folded under you, and hands on your thighs
   
6. Instructor says “Mokuto” (Meditate)
   
7. Take a few deep breaths and clear your mind
   
8. Instructor says “Yame” (Stop)
   
9. Stop meditating and lean forward from the hips.
   
10. Reach right hand forward first, then left hand, making a triangle/diamond shape with your hands on the floor in front of you, and place your forehead to the triangle
    
11. Everyone now says “Domo Arigato Gozaimus” (Thank you very much)
    
12. Set back up straight, hands on thighs
    
13. Instructor says “Yame” again
    
14. Everyone except instructor repeats steps 9-12
    
15. Instructor says “Yame” again, then everyone rises back to standing position, reversing the order of movements in step 5