At Fast CPR in Honolulu, we take a modern, efficient approach to life-saving skills—but we also recognize the power of timeless traditions. One such tradition is seiza, the Japanese practice of kneeling with the tops of the feet flat on the floor and sitting on the heels. While often associated with martial arts or meditation, seiza has surprising relevance to CPR—especially when it comes to posture, focus, and readiness.
What Is Seiza?
Seiza (正座) means “proper sitting” in Japanese. It’s a formal seated position that demands:
- A strong spine and upright posture
- Centered breathing and calm focus
- Stillness, humility, and attentiveness
While physically demanding at first, seiza builds mental discipline and body awareness, traits that are crucial in high-pressure emergency situations like CPR.
How Does Seiza Relate to CPR?
Performing high-quality CPR requires more than just technical knowledge—it also takes physical control, mental clarity, and efficient body positioning. Here’s where seiza comes in:
1. Proper Kneeling Posture
CPR is typically performed from a kneeling position, especially in real-world emergencies. Practicing seiza helps develop the flexibility and strength to:
- Maintain a balanced posture during chest compressions
- Keep the shoulders aligned over the hands for consistent compression depth
- Minimize fatigue, allowing rescuers to deliver CPR longer and more effectively
2. Focus Under Pressure
Seiza trains individuals to remain calm, centered, and aware, even during discomfort. This is similar to how rescuers must remain composed and act decisively when someone’s life is on the line.
3. Discipline and Readiness
In both seiza and CPR, discipline matters. Seiza encourages presence and readiness—qualities mirrored in CPR’s structured rhythm, timing, and urgency. When students embody this mindset, they become more effective and reliable responders.
Hawaiian Values and Cultural Respect
At Fast CPR Honolulu, we also see a harmony between seiza and Hawaiian values like:
- Laulima (cooperation)
- Ho‘omanawanui (patience)
- Kūpono (honesty and integrity)
These values, when blended with CPR training, help foster not just skill but character—creating community responders who act with both heart and discipline.
Why Fast CPR in Honolulu Integrates Cultural Awareness
We teach CPR with precision, speed, and efficiency—but we also believe that cultural depth strengthens commitment. Incorporating posture training and ancient practices like seiza reminds us that even in emergencies, how we carry ourselves matters.
Being able to get into and hold a seiza posture isn’t just about tradition or form—it reflects a practical physical readiness that enhances CPR performance:
- Faster setup
- More effective compressions
- Less fatigue
- Sharper focus
Whether you’re a seasoned responder or new to life-saving skills, Fast CPR equips you with the understantanding of functional movement and confidence needed to drop down, lock in, and deliver high-quality compressions—seiza or no seiza.
Taking the class every two years not only keeps your certification current—it also serves as a valuable self-assessment of your fitness and ability levels. Instead of saying, “I know this already,” or “My job is making me take the classes” etc., consider using the opportunity to work on your goals for the next two years, such as achieving Seiza (the ability to kneel comfortably) and building basic cardiovascular fitness. For example, if you’re unable to sustain two-minute sessions of cardio-level exertion (ie. as in doing CPR in real life), this is a clear sign and an opportunity to improve before your next training. Each class becomes a checkpoint for your personal growth and real-life readiness to perform CPR. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.
Final Thoughts
Next time you kneel to start compressions, remember: how you position your body—and your mind—can make the difference between panic and action. Seiza isn’t just sitting. It’s preparation. And at Fast CPR Honolulu, we’re here to prepare you for more than just certification—we’re here to prepare you for real rescue.
Fast CPR
Efficient. Focused. Rooted in Respect.