Judo discussion and investigation of selected topics by Ronald Desormeaux

JUDO RON 24- Mokuso-Meditation

In my book on Shin Gi Tai1, I had mentioned the need to perform strategic

brain storming and meditation sessions as means to obtain inspiration and a
better understanding of one’s self. Both exercises are normally undertaken
while being in proper resting postures and need to be performed during
moments of calmness, in silence and accompanied with deep breathing
cycles. Having described these individual exercises done outside the dojo, I
want to touch upon similar exercises that we perform in the dojo and to
which we seldom find the time to reflect upon their values.

When attending the judo session or class, there is frequently a common

period at the beginning of the class where the instructor or senior member
(sempai) calls the membership to embark upon a short period of meditation.
That early segment of the lesson is called Mokuso, a Japanese expression
signifying to clear the mind, to meditate, to get rid of disturbing thoughts
and to contemplate the future. Unfortunately, Mokuso is not performed at all
dojo. Be thankful that you attend a dojo where the class routine provides you
with such a moment and opportunity to make the transition between what
you were doing hours and minutes earlier and what you are about to do or
engage in during the next few moments of the training period. Use that
instance of calmness and stillness to clear your mind, to relax and to regain
your inner energy and to embark upon the dojo’s atmosphere.

Without entering into the philosophical concept of Zen and its practices, one
needs to recall that in ancient times, the Japanese warrior class of Samurai
like so many artists in other fields, used to seek calmness and concentration
before entertaining to proceed with their work at hand. The blacksmith, the
theatre No actor, the musician, the painter and the politician alike, all took
the time to bridge their knowledge from past experience, gather their
thoughts in order to clear the process or path they would follow and take the
initiative to properly assess their decision and timing to proceed or act
accordingly.

In today’s environment, we seldom take the time to contemplate and reflect

upon where we have been and where we are going. We tend to react to
circumstances and keep on going with minor adjustments. The short Mokuso
period will provide you with an instant devoted toward such reflection.

1
Shin Gi Tai, The Discovery of Judo’s Arsenal, August 2008
 Judo discussion and investigation of selected topics by Ronald Desormeaux

In order to maximize your mental transition from the outside world to the
dojo environment, you need to consider the following aspects:

1. You can not and should not enter a judo session charged with all sorts
of mental problems or baggage. Leave them outside the training area
and be prepared to concentrate on the tasks at hand.
2. Be of open mind, you need not to criticize the ways and means
provided to you. You should ask questions to elucidate technical
difficulties yet do not pass judgement. You need to be in harmony and
receive these instructions as they are delivered. You will have
sufficient time later to make your own adaptation and personalization
as required.
3. What you are about to embark upon is a form martial art training. It is
a serious matter and you will need all your attention and focus. Even
if you think that judo is only a sport or recreation, your advancement
will depend on the care and commitment you demonstrate towards the
other training partners.

The Mokuso period may last from one minute to four depending on the
milieu and the culture of the dojo. It is normally performed while in Seiza
posture, that of sitting properly on your knees. Such a posture is common in
most martial arts milieu. It is part of the cultural heritage in Japan. It is a
social characteristic adopted by both the common people and the aristocrat
of yesteryears. Seiza is defined as being sitting down in a proper erect
posture with a calm and peaceful mind. (Seiza means vertical, correct or
straight). One has to recall that the Samurai used to adopt such a posture
when entering a private house or visiting a feudal lord. In Seiza, they were
able to show respect for their host, present themselves as peaceful visitor
with their hands resting on their knees and carrying no weapons, yet they
stood at the ready to react quickly should the need arise.

Inspired by these historical practices, Mokuso is repeated in the dojo to

introduce the spirit of the dojo, to remind the student to train with due
respect for others and to permit a quick concentration on the tasks ahead.
You can think of it as a mental exercise to develop the true spirit of Heiho
(to be ready and confident). In most dojo, the normal training time is at a
prime and the bulk of the exercises concentrate on the physical and technical
aspects. The intellectual and spiritual dimensions are subjected to less
attention and there will be insufficient time allowed to enter into longer
concentration periods such as Mokuso.
 Judo discussion and investigation of selected topics by Ronald Desormeaux

The student may therefore choose to practice Mokuso on his own at different
moments of the day and which are most opportune for his concentration and
meditation.

In the dojo, the parameters of Mokuso are therefore:

1. The adoption of Seiza or sitting on the knees; ( Should you have
difficulties with sitting on your knees for a long time, try the natural
standing position, Shizen Tai).
2. The maintenance of silence and relaxation at the beginning of the
course.
3. The eyes half closed.
4. The spine erect properly with the head straight up.
5. The chin parallel to the ground.
6. The hands naturally resting on top of the legs preferably with palms
up and the left hand resting in the right with thumbs touching slightly.
7. Complementary to the posture, you should commence the slow
breathing cycles by inhaling through the nose, your tongue resting on
the palate and pushing the air down and outwardly against the
diaphragm, after a short pose, exhaling slowly by the mouth with your
tongue down.

During those fleeting moments, try to empty your mind of all negative
thoughts and obstacles such as fear, pain and anticipation, forget your
preoccupations about rules and logic. Just counting numbers of breaths will
help the beginners to dispel other thoughts. Zoom in on the prospect of what
you are about to undertake. Do not ask questions nor make mental reasoning
or judgement. Just try be free of mental procedures. Try to relax and find
your inner peace.

Mokuso is a mental activity to prepare your mind to exercise its command

over the rest of your body which should respond in kind by later performing
the desired act. Do not neglect the training of your mind.

It is Jigoro Kano Shihan the founder of Judo that once said: Judo without
spirit has no value, even if it is fine in form or technique.

Mokuso Yame

Chikara Dojo, Gatineau, Quebec, December 2009