How To Sit/Kneel And Bow In Aikido

This page provides students with instructions on how to sit/kneel and bow in Aikido.

Often in Aikido, students will bow to other students or instructor while in a sitting/kneeling position. A student will kneel with their hands on their thighs while keeping their body erect. They will place their left hand on the ground and then their right hand on the ground forming a triangle. The student will bow from the waist and lower their head and body towards the ground. After bowing, they will return to their original kneeling position with their right hand returning to their right thigh and then their left hand to their left thigh. When rising from the kneeling stance, a student will step forward with their right foot and then stand.

For other techniques (i.e. wrist, elbow, counters or dislocations), visit the main Aikido Techniques section.