The Bow-Out Ceremony (Rei) embodies the core values and philosophy of the art:

The Bow-Out Ceremony is more than a ritual; it reinforces the respect, humility, and tradition central to judo.

  1. Shows Respect: Bowing demonstrates gratitude and respect toward the dojo, instructors, training partners, and the discipline of judo itself.

  2. Fosters Humility: It reminds judokas to remain humble, acknowledging the shared effort and mutual growth achieved during training.

  3. Marks Closure: The ceremony provides a formal conclusion to the session, creating a sense of ritual and discipline that reinforces judo's structured approach.

  4. Strengthens Community: Bowing together fosters camaraderie, mutual appreciation, and the spirit of teamwork among all participants.

  5. Honors Tradition: The practice maintains a link to judo’s Japanese roots, preserving the cultural significance and deep values instilled by Jigoro Kano.