Rei has a wide meaning and can mean bowing, respect, manners, propriety, decorum, etiquette, ceremony, or ritual In kyudo, Rei is often used in a general way to refer to the proper shooting ceremonial and all of the specific actions included within it, such as the proper ways of walking, bowing, approaching and retiring from the target, and entering and leaving the shooting area
'Respect', synonymous for the bowing to show respect Tradition dictates that the junior person or the person with the lower degree or the person who is a guest bows lower than the other person
a bow of respect Mental preparedness is required from the start to the finish of the bow If bowing to the shomen, the bow angle should be 30 degrees The back should be kept as straight as possible when bowing If bowing to an opponent, then an angle of 15 degrees should be used; maintaining eye contact at all times The feeling of respect for one's opponent must be maintained at all times