Closing Ritsurei: The Bow and a Word for Your Opponent

A closing inspired by the judo bow: a standing ritsurei with each of the day's opponents and one sentence about something they did well. It builds mutual respect and explains the meaning of the bow in martial arts.

How to play

1. Slow walk around the space to find everyone you wrestled today (1 min).
2. Explanation: in judo you bow standing (ritsurei) or kneeling (zarei) before and after practice, as a sign of respect and thanks (2 min).
3. With each opponent of the day: ritsurei, bending forward with arms at the sides, and one sentence about something they did well (2 min).
4. Whole class in a line facing the teacher for a final group bow (1 min).

Rules

• The sentence is about what they did, not their body or whether they won.
• If someone would rather not bow to a specific person, they bow to the group.
• Bows are done in silence and without jokes.

Variations

Adaptations

• Blind or low-vision students: the partner says their name and taps the shoulder before bowing.
• Wheelchair users: bow the head and trunk from the chair.
• Students with communication difficulties: give the compliment with an agreed gesture, like a thumbs-up.

Learning goals

• Recognize the opponent's effort and fair play.
• Learn the meaning of the bow in judo.
• End the session calmly.

Teacher tip

Bow first yourself to set the example, and don't let it become a box to check. The usual mistake is an empty compliment ("good"): ask for one specific detail.

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