Introduction to Bojutsu Weapons

Bojutsu is the martial art of staff fighting. The instructor introduces the bo as the primary weapon and establishes that instruction will cover multiple stances and their corresponding strikes in systematic progression.

Gedan No Kamae: Lower Stance Foundation

Gedan no kamae is the third position in the foundational stance sequence. This lower stance integrates strikes including ashibatai (foot sweep) and suneuchi (shin strike), serving as the foundation for progressive technique development.

Chudan No Kamae: Middle Guard Position

Chudan no kamae (middle stance) positions the bo horizontally at chest level with the back hand tucked under the arm like a rifle. The staff should point toward the opponent's eyes, allowing the practitioner to adjust distance through footwork and maintain mobility in all directions.

Mobility and Adaptability in Chudan

Rather than remaining rigid in formal posture, the practitioner should move fluidly around the opponent using both left and right hand orientations. The stance should feel natural and survival-oriented, shifting as tactical situations demand rather than adhering strictly to form.

Tsuki: Thrusting Strike from Chudan

Tsuki (thrust) employs the backhand in a stabbing motion while the front hand remains light and stable. The strike gains concealment when the chest extends forward, hiding the hand position from the opponent's view and making the technique more effective.

Deceptive Movement and Body Mechanics

Shoulder alignment and chest positioning determine strike visibility. By aligning shoulders with the opponent and keeping the chest forward, the practitioner conceals preliminary hand movements, allowing strikes to be delivered with tactical surprise.

Heito No Kamae: Side Guard Stance

Heito no kamae positions the bo vertically along the body's centerline with the hand grip similar to a motorcycle throttle. The staff wraps around the hip and buttocks, creating a powerful position for body strikes (dou uchi) using hip rotation.

Dou Uchi: Powerful Body Strike

Dou uchi (body strike) is delivered from heito no kamae through explosive hip rotation, making it one of the most powerful strikes in bojutsu. The practitioner should anticipate significant impact force, with risk of staff fracture due to the intensity of hip-driven rotation.

Bojutsu Stances - Chudan, Heito no Kamae

The Dojo Martial Arts - Budo Taijutsu, Mason, Ohio

Gedan No Kamae

2 min read·8 key moments·PT5M53S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to Bojutsu Weapons
•Gedan No Kamae: Lower Stance Foundation
•Chudan No Kamae: Middle Guard Position
•Mobility and Adaptability in Chudan

Clip from the Staff (Bo) Basics DVD Order it at: https://www.ebay.com/sch/thedojomartialarts/m.html?item=263991596546&hash=item3d77201602%3Ag%3AE1YAAOSws29btQ9u%3Ark%3A1%3Apf%3A0&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562 Copyright 2019 The Dojo Martial Arts Come and train! https://www.thedojoinc.com/

Related Techniques

Chudan No Kamae Hasso No Kamae Jodan No Kamae Waki Gamae

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about gedan no kamae?

This video covers introduction to bojutsu weapons, gedan no kamae: lower stance foundation, chudan no kamae: middle guard position. It provides detailed instruction from The Dojo Martial Arts - Budo Taijutsu, Mason, Ohio.

How long does it take to learn gedan no kamae?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.