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Called Seiza it’s the Japanese style of sitting. But there is there a proper and improper sequence to kneeling and rising? Is it left knee down first or right knee down first? And is it right leg up first or left leg up first? Where does this come from? And why do other arts / styles differ, i.e., karate, aikido, judo, etc.?
The way I was taught was left knee, then right knee when sitting into Seiza. Step up with right knee first when turning. Step with right knee first when standing. The Seiza bow (Zarei) is left hand first then right hand. Reversed on the way out of Zarei. All of this comes from the Samurai and had to do with the fact that they took Seiza or performed Zarei while wearing a Katana, or Wakizashi (or even tanto). It allowed for quick access to the weapon, ensured it didn’t fall out of the obi (belt) or even saya (scabbard), and in some cases allowed for armed and unarmed self defense techniques from Seiza. There are other forms of Zarei. An example is where a Samurai may only kneel on one knee and bow with one hand if about to enter a combative situation (but that’s a whole other story). Of course, this addresses Seiza in a martial atmosphere. Seiza is a common sitting position in Japan, is often done on a cushion, and does not require the level of formality used in a martial atmosphere.
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