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If you utilize this formality in the training hall and perform it properly with body alignment, etc. then you know that you face the other person directly. This places both your bodies front toward one another which is a sign of openness and places your vital body parts in a vulnerable position which denotes trust and acceptance.

What you are doing in essence is opening your ventral side or exposing your front, i.e. eyes, mouth, chest, groin, etc., is our way of showing favor to someone or something. This exposure shows we care and validates the other as an equal. When the other person does the same they are showing you a return of the same feelings and sentiments. Add to that a “bow” then you and the other person are telling each other you have due regard for one another.

If your arms are relaxed, ventral showing, and palms are clearly visible demonstrates favorably to the other person.

Then you also show your openness and willingness by the way your face takes on a particular form. When we greet another in such a manner with our eyes open wide, loosen the furrough lines on your forehead, relax the muscles around the mouth, and let your lips emerge full indicate positive emotions and for karate indicate a non-threatening person.

Go one step further and let your head tilt to one side slightly to indicate that you are comfortable, receptive, and a friendly person.

As we go over the greetings we practice in the training hall and in life we begin to understand that there are many ways of self-defense with out actually having to strike another person. What we do before and up to the moment when physical confrontation is eminent we can most times avert that step.

So, the next time you rei/greet someone be it in the training hall or on the street remember to check your technique as it tells others both consciously and unconsciously what we intend.