In
Kendo, there are 8 kamae, or "on guard" positions.
There are advantages and disadvantages with each of these positions.
The "basic" or standard "on guard" position is chudan-no-kamae,
or "middleon guard'. From this position you can either attack
your opponent or defend yourself with your shinai. In chudan-no-kamae,
the hands hold the handle of the shinai at roughly waist level. The
left hand is held lower than the right at the level of your navel.
The base of your left hand should be approximately one "fist"
away from your body. Both arms should be flexed and relaxed, not stiff
and locked. The tip of the shinai should be aimed at either your opponent's
throat or eyes.
Your feet should be in the "basic" Kendo stance. The weight
of your should be equally distributed over both feet. It is important
to keep your shoulders relaxed. If the muscles of your shoulders are
stiff or tight, it will be difficult to raise your arms when you swing
your shinai. Your swing will be slow and uneven.
chudan-no-kamae
Notice that arms are flexed and shoulders are relaxed. The body
is in a natural, relaxed position.
Side view
(left) The Base of your left hand should be approximately
one "fist" away from your body.
The
left hand is held lower than the right at the level of your navel.
(above)The tip of your shinai should be aimed, as in this case,
at your opponents eyes or throat (preferred).
(above)
If there is no opponent in front of you, the tip of your shinai
should be at the level of your own throat.
In chudan-no-kamae
the shinai tips should cross slightly. (right)
CARY YOSHIO MIZOBE
Head Instructor
Westside Kendo Dojo
