I was asked by a fellow member of our dojo to post one with proper protocols for bowing in/out with weapons. Since I was just as unclear about it as he was I asked our sensei and apparently we’ve been doing it wrong. This is how we (should) bow in our Iwama style dojo.
When bowing to shomen: Bokken in front, handle/hilt to the left and blade edge facing towards you.
When bowing to a person: Bokken to your side, handle/hilt to front and blade edge facing towards you. To the left when beginning practice. To the right after practice.
