Visiting my Heritage
In martial arts we bow to show respect. I train in a Japanese rooted system based on a Canadian Style (Can-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu) and therefore have been bowing in the Japanese style. What better way to show the diversity we have in Canada then incorporating another culture into a Canadian style of martial arts. The bow goes like this;
Bend at the waist with both hands on you thighs. Having done this literally hundreds of times in class, I thought to myself "why not put a little bit of my own heritage into my bow. I was born in Canada and have lived here all my life, but I do have a Chinese heritage.
The bow known as Bao Quan Li 抱拳礼" (literally translated as "Fist Wrapping Rite".
I found many interesting facts about it. Stand Upright with the body straight. Clench your right fist. Straighten your left palm to have 4 fingers in plane, and your left thumb slightly bend. Wrap your two hands together (the left palm over the right clenched fist). Placed the two hands in front of your chest, but making sure that your two eldows do not come up.
There are philosophical martial arts meaning about this practice: The left palm (with 4 fingers) symbolizes Virtue, Wisdom, Health, Art, which are also called the "4 nurturing elements", symbolizing the spirit of Martial arts. The left thumb is slightly bent to mean that one should not be arrogant or always attempt to be no.1 . The right fist symbolizes rigorous practice. Since the right fist is clenched, it means a form of 'attack' but with the left palm wrapping it, it means "discipline" and 'restraint/control in order not to abuse the martial practice".
So from now on I will incorporate the Chinese bow in class if Sensi allows it.
