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sword follows this line.
Shisei can be simply regarded as the basic posture of the upper torso and head in relations
to floor and hips. In Kendo the basic Shisei should hold true, regardless of the movements or
position of arms and legs at any given moment. Naturally enough, the position of Shisei is very
similar to meditation posture and known for thousands of years in the East as the ideal and
natural positioning of torso and head. One should not be confused by different circumstances in
other Budo arts which demand variations due to the different techniques. Essentially the Shisei
is the same.
Kamae (positions of posture)
Kamae actually means 'Posture' but in context is more clearly expressed as 'position' since
it refers specifically to the position in which the Shinai or bamboo practice sword is held. The
height of blade is divided into three levels or Dan (steps) and designated as Jodan (high step),
Chudan (middle step), and Gedan (low step). 'No-kamae' means 'posture of', but the short form
as above is general.
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Seigan-no-kamae (natural posture)
Seigan (natural step) is the more common name for Chudan. The right foot is advanced
with the knee slightly bent; the left leg is straight with the heel clear of the floor. The Shinai is
held in front of the body with both hands, in a natural manner that does not interfere with the
basic Shisei. The sword points directly at the opponent's eyes and crosses his point about three
to four inches from the tip. This is at a distance of some seven to seven feet six inches and
defined as Ma-ai or the theoretical distance from which an attack can be launched with a single
step attack.
Seigan (or Chudan) is defined as when the blade points forward from the left hand, which
is held in line with the Chushin (body centre), at an angle above horizontal and below the
opponent's eyes. A lower angle more completely covers the front attack line whilst a higher angle
to cover the eyes has more psychological effect on the opponent. Seigan is the most important
posture to study and understand. It is the only position which covers the front attack line and also
the only position to give equal facility for offence or defence as required. All variations are
virtually a weakening of this basic stance, used to deliberately provoke an attack by the opponent.
Judan-no-kamae (high posture)
Jodan is the only important variation used today and is favoured in contests. Jodan has
a very strong character since it is very aggressive. 'Jodan' is universally taken to mean Migi-
jodan-no-kamae (with right foot advanced) unless otherwise specified. But the more common or
comfortable form is the Hidari Jodan (left foot advanced) this makes single handed cuts very
convenient as explained later. The angle shown is fairly conservative (about forty-five degrees)
but this can vary a good deal from almost perpendicular to nearly horizontal. Some schools
suggest that the arms be as shown - in a natural position - whilst others allow the elbows to
spring out. The body direction can be square or slightly turned to either side. Sometimes the
Shinai is held in this line whilst at others it may be canted over or held almost cross-wise. Much
of this variation is due to the particular techniques specialized in or according to personal taste.
At any rate the only classification made is left, or right foot advanced. An exception to this is
the radical Katate Jodan (single hand) postures in which either hand will release its grip on the
hilt and the blade is balanced back on this hand which supports the back edge of the blade.
Any form of Jodan completely opens the front attack line and the student must have a
good sense of timing and outmatch his opponent if he is to take any advantage.
Gedan-no-kamae (low posture)
Gedan is still used to some extend and in this case the attack line is opened by dropping
the point. In some variations the Sinai may be turned off to either side and Gedan is in itself an
invitation to attack the head. The posture is defined as when the point drops below horizontal.
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Waki-gamae (side posture)
Waki-gamae has little use in modern Kendo apart from Kata (forms) in that it was
originally designed as a Sutemi Waza (sacrifice technique) and such techniques merely result in
Aiuchi (double hits) in modern Kendo.
Hasso-kamae (figure of eight posture)
Hasso-kamae is not illustrated but the Shinai is carried almost vertically at either shoulder,
so that in combination the two complimentary sides are likened to the Japanese figure eight, or
Hachi. These are sometimes referred to as Yo-no-kamae and Inno-kamae, Yo-in being the
positive/negative principle (Yinyang in Chinese). Hasso has variations in the Jodan and Chudan
positions, the former high above the head and the latter low at the hip and canted backwards. As
a minor point Waki-gamae takes what would be the Gedan position of Hasso, except that the
blade is reversed.
Hasso-kamae is also a Sutemi Waza and has little use in modern Kendo but with Waki-
gamae, Gedan, Chudan and Jodan, completes the five fundamental postures.
There are literally dozens of other postures - many very ancient. Some better known ones
are the Kasumi-kamae found in low, middle, and high positions in which the arms are crossed
over so as to partly conceal the technique; Kasumi means 'mountain mist'. Another variation is
the Kongo-kamae in which the blade is held vertically in front of the face. There is a particular
phase during which such postures appear attractive to the student but he should not become
involved in them. It is, however, as well to learn by experience and it will soon be found that
such postures are too restrictive under modern conditions.
The essential posture to concentrate on is the Seigan (natural posture) and this is
absolutely essential as a basis for anything else. To enable the hands to grip as naturally as
possible it will be noted that the elbows are slightly sprung outwards. The Shinai is exactly in [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]