In many dojos, classes often begin and end with mokuso. Mokuso is a moment of quiet meditation. This can seem mysterious and unnecessary, but what Is Mokuso?

Mokuso (黙想) means “silent thinking” or “meditation” in Japanese. It’s a short period of seated meditation, typically done in seiza, where karateka close their eyes, breathe deeply and clear their minds.

It’s not meant to be religious, mystical or esoteric. Mokuso is simply a way to transition mentally into and out of training. It helps us leave behind the distractions of our daily life and focus on what we’re about to do, or reflect on what we’ve just done.

Here’s what mokuso actually does for us in practical terms:

 Mental Focus: Karate requires concentration. Mokuso helps us set aside stress, noise and other distractions so we can be fully present in the class.

 Discipline and Routine: Starting and ending class the same way helps build discipline. It reinforces the structure of traditional karate.

 Stress Reduction: These meditation techniques help in managing stress, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.

 Emotional Balance: Mokuso aids in achieving emotional stability. It centres your mood so you can train with a calm and clear mind.

 Reflection: At the end of class, mokuso offers a chance to quietly think about what you’ve learned and how you performed.

Mokuso isn’t about trying to look cool or zen-like…it’s an exercise. Just like stretching prepares your body, mokuso prepares your mind. It helps create the right mindset for training and reminds us that karate isn’t just physical, that it’s mental too.

Oss!