Kenjutsu: Kamae Kihon, Jinen Ryu basic sword postures and intent
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Chudan No Kamae·Yasuragi Dojo
The first part of the Jinen Ryu Bikenjutsu Chi no Maki, is kamae, or stances. As with the scrolls, there are five kenjut…
Chudan No Kamae
Genus中段の構え
TraditionalTranslation: Middle-Level Stance
Overview
Chūdan-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]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Chudan no kamae (middle guard) is the fundamental kendo stance, with the shinai held at centre with the tip (kensen) aimed at the opponent's throat. [1] It is universally regarded as the strongest and most balanced kamae because it covers the centre line, allows attacks to all four targets (men, kote, do, tsuki), and provides the foundation for receiving and countering attacks. [2] Approximately 90% of kendo practitioners use chudan as their primary kamae. [2]
Lineage
Competition Record
Chūdan no kamae (middle guard) is the standard stance in kendo competition, used by over 95% of competitors at all levels from beginner to World Championship. [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
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
Videos
Bojutsu Stances - Chudan, Heito no Kamae
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Chudan No Kamae·The Dojo Martial Arts - Budo Taijutsu, Mason, Ohio
Clip from the Staff (Bo) Basics DVD Order it at: https://www.ebay.com/sch/thedojomartialarts/m.html?item=263991596546&ha…
Kendo Lecture by Kunio Hayashi Chudan-no-kamae
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Chudan No Kamae·Daisuke Hayashi
Kendo Lecture by Kunio Hayashi Chudan-no-kamae
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
Chudan no kamae is a middle-level stance fundamental to both bojutsu and kenjutsu traditions. The Dojo Martial Arts Mason Ohio emphasizes that 'chu' means middle, positioning the weapon horizontally at approximately chest/throat height with the back hand tucked under the arm in a rifle-like grip, palm facing upward, while the front hand remains light and controlling. The stance allows the practitioner to adjust distance fluidly through footwork, moving laterally like a spider or crab while keeping the weapon barrel pointed toward the opponent's eyes. A key technical detail from this instructor involves concealing hand and finger movements by projecting the chest forward and aligning shoulders, making strikes less telegraphed. The Dojo instructor also notes variations in hand positioning—motorcycle grip versus pulling grip—and mentions that chudan can transition to or relate to heitou no kamae for body strikes (dou uchi). Yasuragi Dojo's treatment of the broader kamae system positions chudan within a comprehensive framework alongside seigan no kamae, gedan no kamae, and others, though the transcripts provided do not isolate chudan-specific details from this source. Both instructors emphasize that the stance is not rigidly formal but rather a living, adaptive position for survival-oriented movement against an opponent.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- The Dojo Martial Arts Mason Ohio — Bojutsu Stances - Chudan, Heito no Kamae: Detailed technical breakdown of chudan no kamae in bojutsu context: back hand tucked under arm with palm up, front hand light, weapon pointed at opponent's eyes, footwork mobility, hand concealment through chest projection and shoulder alignment, and transition to heitou no kamae.
- Yasuragi Dojo — Kenjutsu: Kamae Kihon, Jinen Ryu basic sword postures and intent: Contextual positioning of chudan within the complete kamae system of Jinen Ryu kenjutsu; provides framework but transcripts do not isolate chudan-specific technical details.
- Daisuke Hayashi — Kendo Lecture by Kunio Hayashi Chudan-no-kamae: Source provided but transcript contains insufficient intelligible audio/content for analysis.
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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
✓Chudan no Kamae (middle stance) is the most fundamental and important kamae in Japanese swordsmanship — the sword is held at centre height with the point directed at the opponent's throat or eyes (Draeger, Classical Budo, 1973)
✓Chudan is the default kamae in kendo: approximately 90% of kendo begins and occurs from Chudan
✓The point (kissaki) in Chudan threatens the opponent's centreline: it controls the centre and creates pressure that restricts the opponent's options
✓Chudan provides balanced offence and defence: it can execute all basic cuts (men, kote, do, tsuki) and defends the centre line
✓The concept of 'seme' (pressure) is most fully expressed from Chudan: advancing the point creates psychological and physical pressure
✓Chudan is often called 'seigan' (aimed at the eyes): the point is directed between the opponent's eyes, threatening the most sensitive target
✓In Chudan, the grip (tenouchi) is relaxed with the left hand providing power and the right hand providing direction
Common Mistakes
!Holding the point too high or too low — the point must be directed at the throat or between the eyes
!Gripping the sword too tightly in Chudan — the grip is relaxed until the moment of the strike
!Not using seme (pressure) from Chudan — the point must actively threaten and pressure the opponent
!Standing too far from the opponent — Chudan requires proper distance (ma-ai) where the point can threaten
!Holding Chudan passively — the stance is active; constant micro-adjustments maintain pressure
!Not maintaining centre control — Chudan's power is in controlling the centreline; don't let the point drift
!Using Chudan without understanding its relationship to attacks — every basic cut and thrust launches from Chudan
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] Japanese Swordsmanship (Warner & Draeger, 1982) [2] The Book of Five Rings (Musashi, trans. Harris, 1974) [3] The Book of Five Rings (Musashi, trans. Harris, 1974)
2BookThe Art of Fencing (Barbasetti, 1932)
Effectiveness sources — [1] All Japan Kendo Federation, Kendo Official Manual (AJKF) [2] Warner, G. & Draeger, D., Japanese Swordsmanship: Technique and Practice (Weatherhill, 1982)
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] Japanese Swordsmanship (Warner & Draeger, 1982) [2] The Book of Five Rings (Musashi, trans. Harris, 1974) [3] The Book of Five Rings (Musashi, trans. Harris, 1974)
5CitationThe Art of Fencing (Barbasetti, 1932)
Effectiveness sources — [1] All Japan Kendo Federation, Kendo Official Manual (AJKF) [2] Warner, G. & Draeger, D., Japanese Swordsmanship: Technique and Practice (Weatherhill, 1982)
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I position my feet and hips in Chudan no Kamae?
Your right foot should be forward with your left foot pointing at a 45-degree angle back, with your knee tracking correctly over the foot. Ensure you have at least a 45-degree angle with your hips to complete the stance (Yasuragi Dojo).
Where should the sword tip be directed in Chudan no Kamae?
The kisaki (tip of the sword) should connect to a straight line between the eyes of your opponent and yours, with the blade edge directed at your opponent and the hand positioned at temple or ear height (Yasuragi Dojo).
What should I avoid with my arms and wrists in this stance?
Keep your arms soft with a gap between your forearm and the sword scabbard; avoid tensioned or overly bent wrists, and do not hold your arms rigidly close to your body (Yasuragi Dojo).
How does the Chudan No Kamae work?
Chūdan-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. 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.
Where does the Chudan No Kamae come from?
Chūdan-no-kamae has been the foundational guard position in Japanese swordsmanship since the earliest koryū schools, corresponding to the element of water (sui) in the five-element system. Miyamoto Musashi wrote that the middle guard is the essence of all guards.
Is the Chudan No Kamae legal in competition?
FIK Kendo: legal — Legal, valid strike requires correct form (datotsu-bu), spirit (kiai), and fo…
How dangerous is the Chudan No Kamae?
Danger rating 9/10. Extreme — edged weapons cause fatal lacerations; historical battlefield mortality rates >30% (Amberger 1999)
How do I set up the Chudan No Kamae?
The standard setup chain: Assume Guard (Kamae/Hut) → Measure Distance (Ma-ai) → Initiate Cut/Thrust → Follow Through (Zanshin).
How do I defend against the Chudan No Kamae?
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 Chudan No Kamae?
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 Chudan No Kamae in competition?
Chūdan no kamae (middle guard) is the standard stance in kendo competition, used by over 95% of competitors at all levels from beginner to World Championship.
What are common mistakes when doing the Chudan No Kamae?
Top errors to watch for: Holding the point too high or too low — the point must be directed at the throat or between the eyes / Gripping the sword too tightly in Chudan — the grip is relaxed until the moment of the strike / Not using seme (pressure) from Chudan — the point must actively threaten and pressure the opponent / Standing too far from the opponent — Chudan requires proper distance (ma-ai) where the point can threaten.
What are other names for the Chudan No Kamae?
The Chudan No Kamae is also known as Middle Guard, Seigan, Centre Stance.