お願いいたします！ — Please (let us train)! (Cultural · Traditional · Arts, Formal — to stranger, JLPT N4)

Gesture & etiquette

Standing bow (30 degrees) from rei position (heels together, hands at sides). Loud, firm voice from the diaphragm — quiet delivery is seen as half-hearted. Eyes briefly meet partner's before the bow. After the bow, take ready stance (chudan kamae). Both partners say it simultaneously.

In kendo and other Japanese martial arts (budo), 'onegai itashimasu' before practice and 'arigatou gozaimashita' after are sacred greetings. They acknowledge the partner who will help you grow through their attacks and defenses. The dojo (training hall) has strict etiquette: bow at the entrance, bow to the kamiza (high seat), bow to instructors, bow to partners before and after every exchange. Loud, energetic delivery shows commitment.