Lining up and bowing
These traditions are a way to demonstrate respect for your academy and instructor(s). Most of it was inherited from Judo, as we all know many Japanese arts give a big focus on respect, discipline and proper behavior during class. Students are usually aligned side by side by belt rank and facing the instructor. Their gis and belts must be properly tied and then at the end and start of each class the students will bow to the instructor(s) in a sign of respect. Some academies would have the students bowing as well when entering or leaving the mats.
Some white belts take bowing a little too far:
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