Sensei M.Maharaj: Sitting postures

Sitting Postures in Wadōryu

Seiza, Kiza, and Aguraza focusing on the kanji, meaning, and technique details.

Kanji: 正座
Meaning: The kanji 正 (sei) means Correct or Proper, and 座 (za) means To sit or Seat. Therefore, Seiza literally means "Correct Sitting" or "Proper Seating."
Technique: This is the formal, traditional kneeling posture. You kneel down, resting your buttocks directly on your heels. The tops of your feet are flat against the floor. For traditional etiquette, the big toes are typically overlapped (right over left is common). But in Wadō we keep it together. The back is kept straight.
Context: It is used in all formal situations, such as the tea ceremony (chanoyu), at the beginning and end of martial arts practice, and when addressing a superior in a traditional setting.

Kanji: 跪座 (sometimes written as 跪坐)
Meaning: The kanji 跪 (ki) means Kneel, and 座 (za) means To sit. Kiza literally means "Kneeling Seat."
Technique: This is the ready or transitional kneeling posture. The buttocks still rest on the heels, but unlike Seiza, the balls of the feet are on the floor, and the toes are flexed forward (tucked under). This position raises the hips slightly higher than Seiza.
Context: It is often used in martial arts (e.g., Wad, Iaido or Aikido) because it allows for a much quicker and more active transition to standing or a forward motion than Seiza. It is also the temporary posture taken just before sitting down into Seiza or just after rising from it.

Kanji: 胡座 (often shortened to Agura, using just 胡坐)
Meaning: The kanji 胡 (a-gu) historically referred to Foreign or Barbarian people, particularly those from the North and West who sat this way. 座 (za) means To sit. Thus, the literal meaning is "Foreign Sitting" or "Barbarian Seat," indicating its informal, non-native origin.
Technique: This is the simple cross-legged posture, often called "criss-cross applesauce" in English. The legs are crossed in front of the body, and the feet are typically tucked under the opposite thighs or knees.
Context: It is a casual and informal sitting position used by men in relaxed settings, such as at home or during informal gatherings. It is generally considered highly inappropriate for women in formal traditional settings.

Peace and harmony,

Sensei Maharaj 😊