8 TYPES OF KAMAE (STANCE)
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Kamae — Stance·SAMURAI KAZ ARTS / KAZ KOBAYASHI
8TYPES OF KAMAE (STANCE) These are the 8 fundamental kamae or stances in samurai sword martial arts. Once you learn t…
Kamae — Stance
SubFamily構え
TraditionalTranslation: Stances / Postures
Overview
The Kamae subfamily encompasses the five standard sword guards (go-gyō-no-kamae) used across Japanese sword arts — chūdan, jōdan, gedan, hassō, and waki-gamae. [1] Each kamae positions the sword to defend specific lines while threatening others, creating a matrix of tactical options for attack, defence, and counter-attack. [1],[2] Kamae are not static postures but dynamic states from which techniques flow; the choice of kamae communicates intent and invites or denies specific opponent actions. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The five kamae system is attributed to the classical koryū traditions, with Miyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings (1645) providing one of the most influential discussions of guard positions and their tactical applications. [1] The five guards correspond to the five elements (gogyō) in Japanese philosophy — earth, water, fire, wind, and void. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Kamae (stances) in Japanese sword arts serve as both defensive postures and platforms for attack, with each kamae controlling different lines and enabling different techniques. [1]
Lineage
Competition Record
In kendo competition, chūdan no kamae is used by the vast majority of competitors, while jōdan no kamae is a specialised stance used by some elite competitors. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Cutting, thrusting, or striking with a bladed weapon — edge alignment and trajectory determine cutting effectiveness
Joints Involved — Wrists (edge alignment and rotation), elbows (extension for thrusts, chambering for cuts), shoulders (arc of the cut), hips (power generation)
Force Vector — Varies — downward diagonal cut (kesa-giri), horizontal cut (yoko-giri), thrust (tsuki), or rising cut (kiri-age)
Weapon Mechanic — Edge alignment (hasuji) is critical — the blade must travel along its cutting plane for effective cuts
Position & Entry
From ready stance (chudan-no-kamae or equivalent) — Assume guard position, establish distance (ma-ai), execute the cut or thrust when an opening appears
From engagement distance — Use footwork to close to striking range, execute the technique with proper edge alignment (hasuji)
As counter — Wait for the opponent's attack, deflect or avoid, and counter-cut to the exposed target
Videos
NAGINATA BASICS - 01 KAMAE (Stance)
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Kamae — Stance·Naginata Israel
How to do correct kamae in Naginata. By Gur Nedzvetsky, 3rd dan.
2 videos
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
9
Extreme9/10
Edged weapons cause fatal lacerations; historical battlefield mortality rates >30% (Amberger 1999)
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— datotsu-bu
FIK Kendo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Kamae are the fundamental stances of Japanese swordsmanship — they are both physical positions and mental states of readiness from which all techniques originate (Draeger, Classical Budo, 1973)
✓The five primary kamae: Chudan no Kamae (middle), Jodan no Kamae (upper), Gedan no Kamae (lower), Hasso no Kamae (eight-phase), and Waki Gamae (side)
✓Each kamae has a specific strategic purpose: it protects certain lines while threatening specific attacks — the choice of kamae communicates intent
✓In kendo, Chudan no Kamae is the default stance: the point threatens the opponent's throat, creating constant pressure
✓Kamae is not just physical positioning — it includes the mental state of zanshin (continued awareness) and the readiness to act
✓The concept of 'kamae wo toku' (dissolving the stance) describes the advanced state where the practitioner is no longer bound to any single kamae
✓Classical schools each emphasize different kamae: Itto-ryu favours Chudan, while Katori Shinto-ryu uses a wider variety of stances
Common Mistakes
!Holding kamae with excessive tension — the stance must be ready and alert but not rigid
!Using only one kamae — all five stances must be studied and understood for complete swordsmanship
!Treating kamae as a static position — kamae flows into technique; it is a moment of readiness, not a held pose
!Not understanding the strategic intent of each kamae — each stance has offensive and defensive implications
!Adopting kamae without proper grip and posture — the basics of tenouchi (grip) and shisei (posture) must be correct first
!Copying the physical form without the mental component — kamae includes mental readiness and intent
!Not practising transitions between kamae — fluid movement from one stance to another is an essential skill
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Assume Guard (Kamae/Hut) — take the appropriate ready position with the weapon
2Measure Distance (Ma-ai) — establish correct striking distance
3Initiate Cut/Thrust — execute the technique with proper edge alignment or point control
4Follow Through (Zanshin) — maintain awareness and readiness after the technique
Sources & References
Primary Source
The Book of Five Rings (Miyamoto Musashi, 1645)
1BookThe Book of Five Rings (Musashi, 1645)
Alias sources — [1] Ozawa, H., Kendo: The Definitive Guide (Kodansha, 1997) [2] Warner, G. & Draeger, D., Japanese Swordsmanship (Weatherhill, 1982)
2BookThe Art of Fencing (Barbasetti, 1932)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Classical Bujutsu (Draeger, 1973)
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
4CitationThe Book of Five Rings (Musashi, 1645)
Alias sources — [1] Ozawa, H., Kendo: The Definitive Guide (Kodansha, 1997) [2] Warner, G. & Draeger, D., Japanese Swordsmanship (Weatherhill, 1982)
5CitationThe Art of Fencing (Barbasetti, 1932)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Classical Bujutsu (Draeger, 1973)
Community
Athletics
Requires
wrist control for edge alignment, grip endurance, footwork precision
Favours
quick wrists, strong forearms, good posture
Key muscles
forearm extensors/flexors, deltoids, core, calves
Sub-techniques
Chudan No Kamae
GenusChūdan-no-kamae (middle guard) positions the sword with the tip (kissaki) pointed at the opponent's throat or eyes, the tsuka (handle) held at navel height, embodying the principle of centre-line dominance. [1] Chūdan is the most versatile and commonly used kamae in Japanese swordsmanship, as it simultaneously threatens the opponent's centreline and defends the wielder's torso and head. [1,2] In kendō, chūdan-no-kamae is the default stance from which all basic techniques are initiated and to which the practitioner returns after each exchange. [2,3]
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Gedan No Kamae
GenusGedan-no-kamae (low guard) positions the sword with the tip pointed downward toward the opponent's knees, the tsuka held at hip level. [1] Gedan is a defensive and inviting guard that conceals the wielder's intentions while protecting the lower body and threatening upward cuts. [1,2] In kenjutsu the low guard is associated with the element of earth (chi) and is used to invite the opponent's attack to the apparently undefended upper body, enabling counter-techniques. [2,3]
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Hasso No Kamae
GenusHassō-no-kamae (eight-direction guard) positions the sword vertically beside the right side of the head, with the tsuka at mouth height and the blade pointing upward. [1] This guard radiates threat in all eight directions (hence its name) and is an aggressive posture that facilitates rapid downward and diagonal cuts. [1,2] Hassō-no-kamae is associated with the element of fire (ka) and is used in kenjutsu to pressure the opponent with the implied threat of explosive cutting from a high position. [2,3]
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Jodan No Kamae
GenusJōdan-no-kamae (high guard) raises the sword overhead with the arms extended, threatening an immediate downward cut to any target. [1] Jōdan is the most aggressive of the five standard kamae, projecting dominance and forcing the opponent to respect the imminent overhead strike. [1,2] In kendō, jōdan players (jōdansha) are a distinctive and respected minority who sacrifice the defensive security of chūdan for overwhelming offensive pressure, using the height advantage to power devastating men and kote strikes. [2,3]
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Waki Gamae
GenusWaki-gamae (side guard) conceals the sword behind the body with the blade pointing rearward, hiding the weapon's length and the wielder's intent from the opponent. [1] This deceptive guard denies the opponent information about the sword's position, making it difficult to judge distance or predict the line of attack. [1,2] Waki-gamae is associated with the element of wind (fū) in the five-element system and is considered a highly tactical guard used to lure opponents into committed attacks. [2,3]
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key hand and body positions for chudan stance in naginata?
In chudan no kamai, your wrists should touch your hips, with your body and neck completely straight and no tension in the shoulders. Position your hands with two thumbs above the fist (left on right), keep approximately 90 degrees between your elbow and hips, and maintain the weapon in the center—not too far in or too far out.
What common mistakes should I avoid when moving between kamae positions?
According to Naginata Israel's basics instruction, avoid moving your legs at uneven times—they should move together. Never hold the weapon in the air; keep it close to your body. Also avoid excessive tension and ensure smooth transitions by switching at the center when moving between positions.
How should the weapon be held in waki gamae stance?
In waki gamae, the naginata must be parallel to the ground—not angled up or down. Maintain control at the center and ensure your hands are positioned correctly to support this horizontal alignment.
How does the Kamae — Stance work?
The Kamae subfamily encompasses the five standard sword guards (go-gyō-no-kamae) used across Japanese sword arts — chūdan, jōdan, gedan, hassō, and waki-gamae. Each kamae positions the sword to defend specific lines while threatening others, creating a matrix of tactical options for attack, defence, and counter-attack.
Where does the Kamae — Stance come from?
The five kamae system is attributed to the classical koryū traditions, with Miyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings (1645) providing one of the most influential discussions of guard positions and their tactical applications. The five guards correspond to the five elements (gogyō) in Japanese philosophy — earth, water, fire, wind, and void.
Is the Kamae — Stance legal in competition?
FIK Kendo: legal — Legal, valid strike requires correct form (datotsu-bu), spirit (kiai), and fo…
How dangerous is the Kamae — Stance?
Danger rating 9/10. Extreme — edged weapons cause fatal lacerations; historical battlefield mortality rates >30% (Amberger 1999)
How do I set up the Kamae — Stance?
The standard setup chain: Assume Guard (Kamae/Hut) → Measure Distance (Ma-ai) → Initiate Cut/Thrust → Follow Through (Zanshin).
How do I defend against the Kamae — Stance?
Standard counters include: Parry (Absetzen) — deflect the incoming blade with a counter-displacement / Void (Step Back) — withdraw from measure to avoid the cutting arc / Counter-Cut (Nachreisen) — strike into the opponent's opening during their attack.
What are the variants of the Kamae — Stance?
Common variants: Standard cut (primary cutting angle from the ready stance); Thrust (tsuki) (straight thrust targeting the throat, chest, or face); Rising cut (kiri-age) (upward diagonal cut from low to high); Diagonal cut (kesa-giri) (downward diagonal cut following the kimono line).
How effective is the Kamae — Stance in competition?
In kendo competition, chūdan no kamae is used by the vast majority of competitors, while jōdan no kamae is a specialised stance used by some elite competitors.
What are common mistakes when doing the Kamae — Stance?
Top errors to watch for: Holding kamae with excessive tension — the stance must be ready and alert but not rigid / Using only one kamae — all five stances must be studied and understood for complete swordsmanship / Treating kamae as a static position — kamae flows into technique; it is a moment of readiness, not a held pose / Not understanding the strategic intent of each kamae — each stance has offensive and defensive implications.
What are other names for the Kamae — Stance?
The Kamae — Stance is also known as Kamae, Kendo Stance, Guard Position, Chudan-no-Kamae (middle guard), Jodan-no-Kamae (high guard).