10/03/2025
The meaning of Reihō or Rei can be translated as "etiquette," "respect," or "courtesy." It is a fundamental concept in Japanese culture, particularly in traditional martial arts. However, it is not merely a "ceremony" or "ritual"—terms that might suggest an empty or purely symbolic act. Instead, Rei embodies a deeply rooted code of conduct that extends into all aspects of Japanese life, from interactions at school, work, and home to everyday encounters, such as visiting a doctor.
Unlike in the West, where respect is often expressed verbally (e.g., "I respect you") and reserved for rare occasions, Rei in Japan is demonstrated through actions rather than words. Because it is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, it is rarely explicitly taught—except, perhaps, to foreigners unfamiliar with its significance. This makes Rei a concept that can feel foreign to many Western practitioners of traditional Japanese martial arts.
Rei is the foundation of all traditional Japanese martial arts, regardless of their origin. Without Rei, martial arts would be nothing more than violence. In Katori Shintō-ryū, Rei is not just a formality but something that must be deeply ingrained in one's behavior—toward others and toward the symbols of our tradition: the kamiza, the founder’s grave in Japan, and Katori Jingū, the shrine where the art was passed down to our founder. Rei is not about blindly bowing to someone we believe deserves respect; it is about using our behavior and movement to express sincerity, respect, and consideration.
In Katori Shintō-ryū, Rei is directed toward everything around us—not just people, regardless of rank, gender, or background, but also animals, objects, and even the weapons we train with.
The practice of Reihō in Katori Shintō-ryū serves two essential purposes:
Paying respect – to the tradition, the teacher, and fellow students.
Ensuring safety – especially when training with weapons.
Everything in our training begins and ends with Reihō—from bowing when entering and leaving the dōjō to bowing toward the kamiza, our sensei, and fellow monjin.
Pic source: Risuke Otake, Katori Shintō-ryū - Warrior Tradition, New Jersey, Koryu Books (2007)
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