Seated bow

Jwarye (좌례) is the bow performed from the kneeling posture called jeongjwa (정좌). It differs from the ipnye (입례), the bow made standing up.

Sitting down (jeongjwa):

• When sitting from a standing position the hands are not placed on the floor: the left foot steps back half a pace and the left knee goes down first.
• The upper body is straight and the knees are side by side, about one or two fists apart; the big toes overlap or lie side by side.
• The back is straight, the chin slightly tucked, and the hands rest on the thighs with the fingers together.
• One sits left foot first and rises right foot first (jwajwaugi, 좌좌우기).

Performing the jwarye:

• From jeongjwa, look at the partner or teacher.
• Lean the upper body forward and put both hands on the floor at the same time; the Korea Kumdo Association (대한검도회) manual describes the hands forming a triangle and lowering the head as if putting the nose into its centre.
• Hold the position for about one breath, then return quietly to the starting posture while looking at the other person.
• Avoid bending the neck too much or raising the waist when leaning forward; the hands go down and come up together.

When it is used: according to a popular-source article, a teacher who has practised with you is always greeted with jwarye afterwards; the last partner of the session also bows jwarye before the teacher and then receives the teacher's homyeon (호면, the head guard).