Help with Seiza

General
#1

For those of you that don’t know, seiza is the formal method of sitting in japan. You sit on your knees with your legs tucked beneath you. I know that many of us are certainly not Japanese, but some of you are martial artists that can sit in this position for long periods of time. Does it ever stop hurting?

I know it is not required for us foreigners that may never go to the taikai, but I’d still like the opinion of people on here. Should we strive for it, knowing that we may end up playing in polite company of those that are Japanese? What can I do to pursue it further? Are there any good stretches for it?

#2

My dad lived many years in S.E Asia as well as Japan. Noticing that anyone sitting on the floor generally had better health/flexibility, even at old age, he decided to bring that mindset when he moved back to America. So, we’ve been floor dwellers since I was born (currently sitting in seiza as I’m writing this :stuck_out_tongue: ). Absolutely painless.

It’s a good thing to strive for, good for your body like a yoga posture. And just like a yoga posture, I’d say it’s just a matter of doing it - staying in seiza as long as you can. Once it starts to hurt, stop and repeat again the next day. Over time, you will be able to sit longer and longer. :slight_smile:

That’s my two cents, at least.

#3

It’s a good thing to strive for, good for your body like a yoga posture. And just like a yoga posture, I’d say it’s just a matter of doing it - staying in seiza as long as you can. Once it starts to hurt, stop and repeat again the next day. Over time, you will be able to sit longer and longer. :slight_smile:

Well that should work out since I’ve started doing yoga poses. Ever since I saw your dad with his leg over his head on youtube, I thought it would be cool to start yoga again. That of course wasn’t the only reason, but you can tell him for me that he was an inspiration.

#4

Seconded; those clips of Papa Abbott holding those poses are inspiring.

I thought about chiming in, but it looks like Kyle has already put up a good amount for how to approach it. My recommendation would be to not try standing up immediately after sitting in seiza for a good long while. Made that mistake myself… Rather, unfold/stretch out your legs, massaging the muscles to get blood flowing properly again. However, I feel that you may already have gathered that from your yoga training.

Happy sitting!

#5

That of course wasn’t the only reason, but you can tell him for me that he was an inspiration.

Aww, that’s nice. :slight_smile: I relayed your message, which he was happy to hear. That fellow usually avoids the “spotlight”, so I’ve been pushing him into it. :wink:

Rather, unfold/stretch out your legs, massaging the muscles to get blood flowing properly again. However, I feel that you may already have gathered that from your yoga training.

I’m sure that works, though I don’t do it. After yoga, I usually listen to Soca to get the blood flowing. :stuck_out_tongue:

#6

Thank you guys for all your help. It’ll take awhile, but I think I’ve got this covered. One thing I’ve found in this journey are some pretty interesting seiza devices.


http://www.shinkitaikarate.ca/Scona/Glossary/S/Seiza/seiza%20stool.jpg

I guess I’m not alone in the knee strain. Still I’ve never been one to take the easy way out. So I’ll continue with the training and learn to stay in the position longer and longer.

#7

The solution is zero gravity. We need it now.

#8

Rachel: Yes! That would be a good way to ease into it. Once it feels comfortable, move to a lower stool-thing (if possible)

I asked Nitta san if such short stools would be at the taikai, but he wasn’t sure. Most likely not. :-S

Karl: Personally, I’m still waiting for the suspension harness that Baron Harkonnen wears.

#9

suspension harness! I immediately thought of those hangboards when I read that :slight_smile: while I don’t need that (yet) with regard to my dodgy knees it is good to know they are out there . . . as far as I know those are basically fancy “bindings” that can be mounted on any snowboard :slight_smile:

© 2020 Kyle Abbott