Ritsurei (立礼): The Three Types of Standing Bows

The following educational excerpt is drawn directly from the Gōjū-Ryū Karate-Dō Desk Reference 剛柔流空手道 机参照: Volume 2: Dōjō Auxiliary, Glossary & Terminology 道場の補助、用語集 と 辞書.

Ritsu Rei – Standing Bow

There are three specific degrees of bowing for Ritsurei 立礼 (standing bow), just as there are for Zarei 座礼 (seated bow). In traditional Japanese Budō 武道, the depth of your bow physically demonstrates your level of respect, the formality of the situation, and your relationship to the person you are greeting.
The terminology for the three degrees of the standing bow are Eshaku 会釈, Keirei 敬礼, and Saikeirei 最敬礼.

1. Eshaku (会釈) – The Shallow Bow

Eshaku is the least formal of the standing bows.

• Bend downward from the waist to an angle of approximately 15 to 20°.
• This standing bow is generally used for casual circumstances, such as greeting acquaintances or acknowledging peers of equal rank.

2. Keirei (敬礼) – The Standard Bow

Keirei is the most common standing bow shown in general, respectful circumstances.

• When performing from a standing position, bend downward from the waist to an angle of approximately 30 to 35°.
• Note: Keirei 敬礼 for Budō 武道 is sometimes performed slightly lower than the standard Keirei used in everyday Japanese business settings.
• This is the specific standing bow you make when presenting your Kata 形 to an evaluation panel or audience.

3. Saikeirei (最敬礼) – The Deep Bow

Saikeirei is the most respectful, formal, and pronounced standing bow.

• When performing from a standing position, bend downward from the waist to an angle of approximately 45 to 50°.
• This standing bow is reserved for the highest level of respect—such as greeting high dignitaries, offering extreme apologies, expressing the deepest sympathy, or in acts of worship.

To deepen your understanding of authentic Japanese dōjō protocols and terminology, the full Gōjū-Ryū Karate-Dō Desk Reference is available for comprehensive study.