Different Kamae in Kendo
There are a number of different Kamae in Modern Kendo. Unfortunately, most of these are considered "rare" as far as their use goes, while others are simply just not used at all. In fact, most of these Kamae variants are only seen in the Nippon Kendo Kata. But we must not forget the origins, meanings, and uses of these kamae as they serve as reminders as to the roots of Kendo and we should all at least be familiar with them. Most Kendoka will become familiar with these variants through practice of the Kata, but here is some additional information.
There are Five different Kamae in Kendo, with a number of variants. Click on the links in each section to see pictures of each Kamae. (Source: Fundamental Kendo. Published by the All Japan Kendo Federation (no longer in print))
- Chudan no Kamae. This is the most basic and fundamental Kamae, and serves as the root for all of the others. Chudan is also known as the Kamae of Water due to its flexibility and adaptive capabilities. A strong Chudan no Kamae serves to produce both a strong offense and an impenetrable defense.
Variants:- Seigan no Kamae. This variant of Chudan is used when facing an opponent who is in the Jodan no Kamae
- Chudan Hanmi no Kamae. This variant of Chudan is taken when using the short sword, and can be seen in the Kodachi no Kata: Ipponme.
- Chudan Iri-Mi no Kamae. Another short sword variant, this can be seen in the Kodachi no Kata: Nihonme.
- Jodan no Kamae. Jodan no Kamae, also known as "Hi no Kamae" (the Kamae of fire) or "Ten no Kamae" (the Kamae of Heaven / Sky) is an aggressive kamae, both spiritually and physically. When using Jodan, one must attempt to suppress the opponent with their attacks, as well as with their spirit. The effectiveness of Jodan is dependent more on the spritual aspect than the physical one, hence Jodan is considerd a "Kokoro no Kamae"; A mindset or attitude.
Variants: - Morote Hidari Jodan. This is consodered the standard form of Jodan, where the left foot is forward and the shinai is held at an anle of about 30 degrees to the right.
- Morote Migi Jodan. The second version of Jodan. The footwork is the same as in
Chudan, and the shinai is held straight over head.
- Age-to. Age-To is a variant of Jodan where only one hand is on the shinai, and the other is held at the waist stabilizing the body. Usually used during a Jodan kara ni-dan waza or after a failed Jodan kara strike.
Click Here to see a movie of an Age-To strike after a failed Jodan Strike by Yamamoto Sensei. (1.8Mb, Source: Miyazaki: Winners Strategy)
- Gedan no Kamae . Gedan no Kamae is also known as the Kamae of Earth. While it may look like a defensive posture, it is an attack posture able to deflect an opponents attack and create striking opportunities. It also helps to disguise the intent of the user. Many will use Gedan no Kamae as a transition from Chudan no Kamae into a Tsuki thrust. According to Fundamental Kendo "The Gedan no Kamae is used when you lower the kensen and, while protecting your own body, move into an attack that conforms to the movements and actions of your opponent."
Variants: - Gedan Hanmi no Kamae. Found in the Kodachi no Kata: Sanbonme.
- Hasso no Kamae . Hasso no Kamae is also known as the Kamae of Wood. When one assumes Hasso no Kamae, they must stand straight and strong like a tree, able to observe their opponent "from above". Hasso is considered to be a variant of Jodan no Kamae, and hence is an aggressive posture, but is infrequently used in modern Kendo save that of a transition phase from Jodan no Kamae into a strike.
- Variants: There exists both a Migi and a Hidari Hasso no Kamae. Again, they are (usually) used as transition phases for a Jodan kara strike as a "fake", or as a modified Katsugi Waza .
Click here to see an image of Hidari and Migi "Katsugi" position. (Source: Kendo, by Seibudo)
- Waki Gamae . Waki Gamae is also known as the Kamae of Metal or the Kamae of Gold, indicating some kind of "hidden presciousness". A variant of Gedan no Kamae, it is used only in the Kendo no Kata: Yonhonme.
Each of the different Kamae have their origins and applications in swordplay, and they help us to maintain the ties between modern Kendo and its origins. To finish, here is an article from Miyamoto Musashi's Go Rin No Sho , or Book of Five Rings regarding Kamae.
"What is important in this path is to realize that the consummate guard (kamae) is the middle position (Chudan). The middle position is what the guard is all about. Consider it in terms of large-scale military science: The centre is the seat of the general, while following the general are the other guards...his lieutenants. This should be examined carefully."
Miyamoto Musashi, Go Rin No Sho
S. Quinlan, 2003
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