Mokuso - Karate Meditation

At the beginning and end of each Karate class the instructor and students all carry out Mokuso which is a kneeling Meditation. At the start of the class one should control the breathing (breath in through the nose, and out through the mouth, exhaling the air from deep within the abdomen). Relax to let the troubles of the day evaporate, and clear the mind to be ready for the Karate class and to start fresh. You may have had a bad day at work or an argument with someone - Mokuso is the time to clear that from your head, so as not to take any anger into the class. There is no religious meaning attached to Mokuso.

When ending the class we also carry out Mokuso. This is a time to control your breathing and relax from the rigors of training, to think of what you have done and again clear your mind.