Seiza - Which knee first?

[Shotokan-kez]

Same here... Left then right, then when you're getting up it's right then left

Yep thats the same with us too. Always left first when going down and right first when getting up.

[ARADOX]

Do you think there's anything y'know significant about these left then right thing maybe like a ... er, symbolism thing?

[ps1]

Any significance that existed during the feudal age of Japan is gone. Afterall, no one wears a sword anymore. But in the training I've had in kenjutsu, easy access to the sword was the reason for dropping to the left knee first. I suppose Paradox is correct in that it's all symbolism now.

[NightOwl]

I don't believe that it matters too much. Honestly, many western dojos are much more strict about getting all of the ceremony things down right than their Japanese counterparts. Either way, it doesn't hurt to ask your instructor.

Edited April 5, 2007 by NightOwl

[ShawnJ]

I don't believe that it matters too much. Honestly, many western dojos are much more strict about getting all of the ceremony things down right than there Japanese counterparts. Either way, it doesn't hurt to ask your instructor.

I don't think it really matters either. At least...I've never been taught left or right by my sensei when it comes to sitting seiza. However, I usually go left knee down first, simply because...that's what my body does!

[bushido_man96]

I don't believe that it matters too much. Honestly, many western dojos are much more strict about getting all of the ceremony things down right than there Japanese counterparts. Either way, it doesn't hurt to ask your instructor.

I don't think it really matters either. At least...I've never been taught left or right by my sensei when it comes to sitting seiza. However, I usually go left knee down first, simply because...that's what my body does!

This is something that starts out with a reason (wearing a sword), then gradually, the reason fades away, and then everyone is left doing it "just because."