THE “BOW” IN KARATE- DO

Bowing is an expression of greeting of salutation. It is a wish to convey courtesy and reverence by the young or new student who meet seniors (SENPAI) and instructors (SENSEI). The sensei or senpai immediately responds with a bow to the junior students (KOOHAI) or karateka.
  In Karate Do, as it is being a Japanese art of self defense the practitioner must follow this polite behavior within a dojo and whenever the sensei, senpai or koohai meet.

How to bow: 

  In “bowing” to express politeness, one slowly bends ones whole body forward and downward. A quick “bow” will give an impression of casualness or insincerity; an abrupt bow like a duck finding something to eat will seem childish. It is important to spend the appropriate length of time ‘bowing’