In contrast, and for example, the kenjutsu taught in the practice of aikido opts for a middle ground, where chūdan-no-kamae is assumed with the body otherwise in hanmi-dachi. Some traditional styles may even assume zenkutsu dachi for their footwork. Generally, a much more grounded base is required for proper cutting with power, stability, and focus. Traditional styles of kenjutsu also use this as a basic stance, the only variation being the footwork. The shinai is held with the hands in front of the waist, with the tip of the weapon pointed at the opponent's throat. The center of gravity should be centered between both feet. In chūdan-no-kamae, the left foot is slightly behind the right with the left heel slightly raised, both feet are parallel, the hips are straight forward, shoulders are relaxed, spine is perpendicular to the floor at all times. If the kamae is not broken, the user can step into striking distance of the opponent whilst maintaining good defence.Ī beginner learns this stance first in order to learn the correct striking distance, issoku-ittō-no-maai (一足一刀の間合い). The head ( men) is the only clearly open target, but this too is easily defended. The throat is visible, but the extended tip of the sword threatens a thrusting enemy with a likely counter-thrust. If correctly assumed, the trunk ( do) and right wrist ( migi-kote) are hidden from the opponent. This is the most basic stance in kendo which balances attack and defence. It provides a balance between attacking and defensive techniques.Ĭhūdan-no-kamae is one of the five stances in kendo: jōdan, chūdan, gedan, hassō and waki. In most traditional schools of swordsmanship, and in the practice of kendo, chūdan-no-kamae is the most basic posture.

Chūdan-no-kamae translates to 'middle-level posture', it is also called Seigan-no-kamae (正眼之構) that can be translated to 'right posture'.

The person at right in the foreground is in chūdan-no-kamae, the person at left is in jōdan-no-kamae.Ĭhūdan-no- kamae ( 中段の構え:ちゅうだんのかまえ), occasionally Chūdan-gamae, or simply Chūdan as it is shortened to in many Japanese martial arts schools that instruct in the use of the katana (sword). Kendo practice at an agricultural school c.1920.

Iaido stances pdf