The American Kenpo salutation is used in a number of different circumstances, but primarily for the following situations:
1)the opening and closing of classes, seminars, tests and other formal functions
2)the greeting of an instructor / highly ranked practitioner
3)the opening and closing of a form (or optionally a set)
Often, the full salutation is used in opening and closing formal functions, but can sometimes be shortened to just an opening and closing meditating horse - depending upon the instructor in charge. Usually, the more private the situation, the more likely the salutation is shortened or omitted. The more public the situation, the more likely the full salutation will be used.
Greeting an instructor or high ranked practitioner is almost always reduced to the "left over right" hand gesture of the salutation (and often with the left cat stance of the salutation). Rarely is the full salutation executed in this situation. And, as time passes, the likelihood of the full salutation being executed in this situation becomes less and less.
Keep in mind one thing about American Kenpo, we never bow to anyone - we only salute them. We only bow to inanimate objects. This is due to the fact that Americans are raised under the assumption that all people are created equal and historically bowing is a form of lowering one's self in deference to another. Where a salute is a show of respect. Another way of thinking about this is: salutes are military in origin and show respect, bowing is cultural in origin and show hierarchy.
But for the purposes of this book, we are concerned with the salutation and how it is used in conjunction with forms.
In formal situations, the salutation and signifying are appended to the execution of a form. This practice removes any ambiguity from the execution of the form by allowing the viewer to not only determine the martial art style of the practitioner, but also the form which is intended to be performed; and whether the form will be modified from its standard execution or not - all without having to utter a word.
As mentioned above, the salutation and signifying are formal structures and are not often executed when an individual practices a form on their own, or even in class. In fact, it is uncommon for practitioners to execute the entire salutation and sign during practice sessions, unless they are simulating a test / tournament situation. This does not mean that the salutation and signing of a form should be overlooked as not important to the execution of the form. But rather, that the salutation and signifying add clarity and formality for the observer without having to speak to them.