What to do when unable to fully sit in Seiza?

by Matsi
(Greece)

I am interested in starting Kendo. I have a background in martial arts but I am just out from rehabilitation from a knee surgery (ACL reconstruction).

At the moment I cannot fully sit in Seiza (my knee will not full bend) and I don't know if I will ever extend my flexibility to the point where I can fully sit in Seiza.

Is there any alternative to it, like shifting my weight to the other leg more? Do you think any sensei would accept me as student? I want to learn Kendo and not show off with belts/grades, so I would consider training without participating in exams if that would help.

Thank you.

Kendo-Guide.Com: Thank you for your post and I am sorry for the delay of my reply.

As a matter of fact, I also had a knee surgery (ACL and MCL). I have a screw in my left knee and it is very painful when I kneel on the floor with my left knee. So I wear a knee pad at the beginning of the training. Since it gets hot during training, I take it off after the beginning bow (yes I suffer when bowing at the end of training).

If your teacher allows you to sit with the legs crossing (agura), you should do that. You are not being lazy but physicality in pain so you should be allowed to sit in agura. It is my personal opinion though.

Talk to your teacher and teachers in your federation. After all, they are the ones who will give you promotion exams. You must follow their rules.

Hope this helps.

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