Try Softer

SEIZA

by Matt Woods

Seiza is the most commonly executed sitting position in Japanese origin. It is a basic kneeling posture of respect and formality. Seiza is used in many traditional applications, including, but not limited to, flower arranging, chanoyu (the art of tea), music instrumentation, and meditation. It is also commonly performed in budo (martial arts) in order to initiate the beginning and end of training sessions.
While there is a standard form of seiza, variations are practiced amongst different schools. It is important to take heed to the form that is advised at one's dojo.
Seiza is always preceded by an attention stance. First, the right leg is bent at the knee to a 90-degree angle with the right foot flush against the floor, while the left knee is lowered to the floor with the toes of the left foot maintaining contact as well. The right leg is then retracted into a parallel position with the left leg, leaving both knees and all toes against the floor with the buttocks resting on the Achilles tendons. Both feet are then extended outward with the top arches of both feet against the floor, allowing the upper torso to take an upright posture with the buttocks resting on the balls of both feet.
To ensure proper form, it is important to not over exaggerate the posture of the upper body. A simple erect position of the upper torso will suffice. Both knees should be 1-2 fist widths apart, as the feet lie flat side-by-side, or over lapping each other. With both arms slightly rounded at the elbows, both hands are positioned over the upper thighs with all fingers pressed together.
Exiting a seiza position is the opposite of entering the posture. The toes retract to connect with the floor. The right leg is elevated to a 90-degree angle with the right foot flush against the floor (note: the right hand should remain at a ready position resting on the thigh). The right leg then drives the body up into an erect standing attention stance.
It has been said that seiza pains the legs and feet, or makes the body's extensions "go to sleep". This is usually from a lack of consistent exercise, and poor blood circulation. If positioned correctly, seiza should not inflict pain on the body in any natural state. If postured correctly and practiced religiously, one should be able to sit in seiza for several minutes, hours, or so a day without discomfort. True seiza helps to naturally align one's body and spinal column thus leading to an alert mind body and spirit.
Seiza is not a means to conquer or defeat others in anyway. Seiza is a calming technique of spiritual cleansing, however, necessity dictates constant awareness of everything around you, the position of others, your environment, and always your ability to react or defend yourself.
To break one's balance is bad from and considered a weakness in Zanshin, a state of relaxed awareness leaving a lingering spirit of watchfulness. To have a complete "minds eye" and to be all knowing is the basis of Zanshin. Such a fault could be a point of attack for any opponent who secretly wishes to destroy his adversary. Eyes should be in Happo Enzan (eight ways, distant gaze). This means that ones eyes should cover every angle without fixating on any single object.
In budo, the role of proper etiquette is based on a means of tradition. It is a catalyst to show respect, develop discipline, and train the mind, body, and spirit. By practicing these traditions, appreciation for the students, teachers, and art as a whole is shown, thus creating a triumph of spirit over ego!

Seiza info:
http://www.furyu.com/archives/issue6/Seiza.html
http://www.fightingarts.com/content01/seiza_kneeling.shtml

ANIMALS

Tiger:

Tenacious and aggressive, the tiger is a pure fighting spirit in budo (Martial Arts). It operates with no hesitation whatsoever. At the top of the food chain, tigers function off of one impulse – Action!
A powerful force to be reckoned with, the tiger moves with a low center of gravity and uses its body weight throughout each movement. Its focus in martial arts training is bone strength and power.
This animal form relies on direct frontal assault and emphasizes lots of breaking, ripping, and tearing techniques. The tigers main applications are the claw and palm strike.
As ferocious as the tiger may seem, it leads a simple and honest, and honorable life, leading its emotions on instinct and intuition. But, because there is always another tiger trying to claim its throne, it lives a life of dominance.
What has been said by ancient Chinese sayings is true. "Two tigers cannot live on the one mountain. When tigers fight, one will die, and one will be severely injured!"

Crane:

Light and agile, the crane can be underestimated by most predatory animals. Although it shows graceful, and fluid movements, it is a wielder of spiritual muscle and strength. It is a true representation of pan-gai-noon (half hard / half soft).
The crane is known for its ability to grip the ground with its resilient claws and root itself to the earth, utterly becoming an immovable force.
The crane is calm, preferring harmony and respect, as opposed to confrontation. It is a sociable animal hesitant to conflict at all times, however, it will defend itself in any manner it sees fit if necessary.
The crane trains flexibility for optimum performance in evasive technique. The bird functions best by working at a distance from its opponent. By using its strong wings to aid in angling off from the adversaries attacks, it is a master at disturbing the balance of others.
The crane's techniques consist of the chicken wrist strike, cranes beak and wing strikes (which aid in trapping). It also focuses on front, back, and crescent kicks.

Dragon:

The dragon is an ancient mythological creature. Legend has it that the dragon is the creation of a storm cloud. Based off of a spiritual aspect of martial arts, the dragon trains in body strength, and inspires breathing.
Master of knowledge and wisdom, this creature instills adaptation of movement to change into any animal technique at any movement in martial arts training.
Like the mist of a storm cloud, the dragon strikes in all directions using simple basic techniques with a challenging strategy of movement that compliments its opponents. (As the opponent attacks, the dragon retreats; when the opponent retreats, the dragon attacks) This is also accomplished by floating; zigzagging motions with whipping and swinging like strikes. In the dragon's great fighting spirit, palm strikes as well as spinning and wheel kicks are incorporated.

Animals info:
1 http://oldweb.uwp.edu/academic/hpea/class/karate/animals.html
2 http://www.shaolin.com.au/animal.html

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