Bowing during a martial arts class as a sign of respect

Answer

It is makrooh tahreemi (greatly reprehensible) to bow to any creation, even if out of respect. You should explain to the relevant authorities that bowing is forbidden in Islam. If they refuse to give leniency, alternate classes should be found — it will not be permissible to continue with a martial arts class that requires it.

Al-Fatawa al-Hindiyyah: *الانحناء للسلطان أو لغيره مكروه لأنه يشبه فعل المجوس* — bowing to a ruler or anyone else is disliked because it resembles the practice of the Magians. Al-Muhit al-Burhani similarly states bowing to a ruler or anyone else is disliked as it resembles the Magians' practice. Al-Durar al-Mubahah notes there is no disagreement on the dislike of bowing in greeting, citing a hadith where the Prophet ﷺ was asked whether a man should bow to a brother or friend he meets, and he said "no," nor embrace him fully, but he may take his hand and shake it ("yes"). *And Allah knows best.*