This ryu is also a complete fighting system also one
of the three Ninjutsu ryu of Bujinkan. Founded by Heinaizaimon Ienaga Iga.
Taijutsu No Kamae
Ninpo Library::Ura & Omote::June 1996::The author
of this article wishes to remain anonymous. Any comments or questions should
be addressed to the editor, Liz Maryland at: <Ashidome@aol.com>.
The following stances are all described in the hidari
(left) aspect, they can also be done to the migi (right) aspect. They are described
in no particular order.
Shizen no kamae - Shizen no kamae is a natural stance,
where the hips and the shoulders are square to (facing) the opponent. The
hands hang naturally and the feet are shoulder width apart. The knees and
elbows are not locked; they are soft, slightly bent. The head is erect.
Goku no kamae - Goku no kamae is a half facing stance.
The body is angled at 45 degrees away from the opponent. The hands hang naturally,
with the front hand open and the rear hand clenched into fudoken.
Hanmi no kamae - From Shizen no kamae simply take
a small step forward with the left. The body should be sideways to the opponent.
Ichi no kamae - To enter Ichi no kamae from Shizen
no kamae take a step forward with the left foot and move the bulk of the body
weight rearwards over the rear leg. The body should now be sideways to the
opponent. The left hand comes up and points at the opponent. The right hand
stays at the rear clenched in a fist at belt height just forward of the hip.
Ichimonji no kamae - Ichimonji no kamae is entered
from Ichi no kamae. The right hand is brought up level with the left shoulder,
just outside of the chin. The knees are bent, with approximately 65% of the
weight on the rear leg.
Kosei no kamae - Kosei no kamae differs from Ichimonji
no kamae by the shifting of the bulk of body weight forward and changing the
arm positions. The right hand is clenched into a fist and raised level with
the temple with the forearm rising at approximately 60 degrees into the air.
The left hand is clenched into a fist and points to the right elbow.
Jumonji no kamae - From Kosei no kamae the clenched
fists become boshiken. The arms are crossed at sternum height. The body remains
sideways to the opponent with the body weight forwards.
Doko no kamae - Doko no kamae is the basic fighting
stance. The body is sideways to the opponent. The left hand is leading, but
still fairly close to the body, the fist clenched. The right hand is clenched
into a fist and level with the left shoulder just outside of the chin.
Boshidoko no kamae - From doko no kamae the clenched
fists become boshiken. The left hand remains where it is. The rear hand comes
up over the head.
Nage Uchi no kamae - From doko no kamae the left hand
is extended until parallel with the ground, the fist is rotated until flat.
The right hand comes up to nose height and is rotated so the back of the fist
is facing the nose.
I-nori no kamae - I-nori (or "pledge of the brotherhood")
no kamae can be gained from doko no kamae. The right arm comes rearward slightly
until vertical. The left hand comes around, parallel to the ground, until
it crosses the right arm.
Shizumi no kamae - This is a low stance, where a deep
step is taken rearwards with the right leg and the body comes down vertically
over the right leg. The body is to remain vertical with the left leg fully
extended, the left arm comes down parallel to the leg. The right hand remains
up protecting the head.
Hira no kamae - In this stance the body is to be square
to the opponent. The legs are slightly wider than shoulder width apart, the
knees are not locked and the body weight is held lightly on the balls of the
feet. The arms are extended straight out to the sides, with the elbows slightly
bent and the hands open.
Hoko no kamae - For Hoko no kamae it is easiest to
describe from Shizen no kamae. Take a short step forward with the left leg.
The hips and shoulders are to remain square to the opponent. The body weight
should be felt lightly in the balls of the feet. The arms are raised above
the head with the hands open, and coming together to form an apex.
Hasso no kamae - Hasso no kamae is the ceremonial
stance of Kumogakure Ryu.
Seiza no kamae - From Shizen no kamae, the left leg
is moved rearwards until the shin is resting on the ground and the thigh vertical.
The left hand remains at hip height, will the right hand slides down the front
of the right thigh. The right leg is now brought into position. The feet are
not to cross. The hands are moved forwards equally until just in front of
the knees. The body weight is evenly centered as you kneel.
Fudoza no kamae - This seated posture starts from
Seiza no kamae. As the body is brought over the back of the feet, the knees
are splayed open, the right foot is in front of the left. The hands are clenched
lightly and positioned on the insides of the knees. You are sitting mainly
on your left foot, with the right foot in front, touching the left knee.
