Why do you bow in ju jitsu?

Answer 1

Bowing is a sign of respect in Martial Arts. Bowing is practiced by almost all forms of eastern Martial Arts. The symbolism to the Master is respect to their knowledge and to the peer as respect for theirs and your risk taken while practicing or sparring. It's birth is from traditional eastern greetings where bowing upon meeting and departing is reflected by the depth of the bow. You would deeply bow to your boss or sensei for instance and merely make a slight bend and nod to a peer.