I read with some amusement the mail about seiza benches. In Japan
only the very elderly would use these. We are martial artists.
Granted seiza can be painful but with constant practise it builds
what I consider one of the pillars of Budo and that is fortitude not
to mention strong legs and hips which are extremly important in
Aikido. there are no short cuts and the use of a stool is downright
silly!





























- In Aikido_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Craig" <craigstasia@y...>
wrote:
> A seiza bench is a wooden seat used to assist in a kneeling
> posture. Some of the benefits of using a seiza bench are it will
> increase the time you can sit in seiza, keep you in the correct
> posture while you practise your breathing exercises and there is
> less pressure on your feet which is more comfortable.
>
> The benches I make are made from 19 mm (3/4") pine with all edges
> rounded. They are 500 mm (19 3/4") and 190 mm (7 1/2") wide.
The
> 2 folding legs are 190 mm (7 1/2") wide with the length of the
legs
> are 150 mm (6") to 125 mm (5"). The base and taper cuts are cut
on
> a 15 degree angle to make the bench more stable. (This DOES NOT
have
> to be it will be strong enough without.) Measure 75 mm (3") from
> each end of the bench and place a 150 mm (6") length of piano
hinge
> and screw into place. Place one of the legs. straight end to
hinge
> and screw sercurely. Do the same for the other side. Test the
> opening and closing of legs. Turn over and test on a level
surface,
> all being stable you are now ready to use your seiza bench.
>
> If you do not have the time/equipment to make a seiza bench, I
will
> sell the for $30 and $15 for postage and handling anywhere in
> Australia ONLY. On receipt of your money order from Australia
Post,
> I will post your seiza bench to you.
>
> I am not set up for receiving money from overseas and the cost of
> postage and handling is more than the cost the seiza bench.
>
>
> Thank you
>
> Craig