Kamae 

Ichimonji No Kamae

The kamae postures of our taijutsu self-protection method can best be described as physical embodiments of your mental outlook and "fighting spirit".

When used properly, these kamae should physically reflect your heart. Your physical nature conforms naturally to your intentions. The more well-adjusted you are, the fewer real divisions there are between inner and outer aspects. The state of totally integrated body, mind, and spirit that our training promotes is a very natural thing. Such integration can be observed readily in the movements of animals as they interact with their environment.

Only human beings seem to develop the need to be instructed in natural body movement. In the early phases of your training, each kamae will be seen to relate specifically to the energy of one of the Go-dai "five element types". Earth stability, the energy of the commander, the ruler, the maintainer of the boundaries, is characterized in the Shizen no kamae natural posture. You are confident and strong enough to stop the aggression as it moves against you. You stop them in their tracks.

Water responsiveness, the energy of the troubleshooter, the scientist, the knower of tricks, is characterized by the Ichimonji no kamae defensive posture You know the secrets that will keep the attack from defeating you. You pull them into your area of power.

Fire expansiveness, the energy of the artist, the communicator, the grasper of opportunities, is characterized by the Jumonji no kamae aggressive posture. You are tuned into the potential for attack and committed to stopping aggression as soon as you perceive it. You shoot them down at the moment they think of attacking.

Wind mobility, the energy of the protector, the explorer, the server of great ideals, is characterized by the Hira no kamae evasive posture. You are free moving and skillful enough to be exactly where you need to be in order to take control of the aggression. You let them flail away as you position yourself to take advantage of their momentum.

These kamae should be thought of as guides or suggestions for the most effective use of your body as a protective weapon. Kamae are "physical attitudes" that reflect your inner state in external form. Therefore, you should work to gain a feeling of natural application of the kamae footwork and body movement patterns. As physical attitudes, the kamae should be employed with a natural feel. Work to embody the kamae, to "be" the kamae. Look for their natural logic. Avoid a sense of merely imitating the teacher. Resist the temptation to cultivate a stylized quality of movie "martial artiness" in your movements. Let these teachings touch you with their authenticity. Your body is unique. Your own configuration of bone alignment, muscle tone, metabolic rate, genetic predispositions, and ingrained physio-emotional memories will naturally determine your own unique refinement of each of the fundamental kamae.

In the beginning, you may have the feeling that you are struggling hard to get the kamae to work for you. As you progress, however, these kamae will seem to be less and less significant as specific "poses" to be remembered. They will become a part of you, as opposed to being apart from you. Development takes time, so be patient with yourself. As you gradually assimilate the kamae into your character and personality over the months and years, the most advanced fighting posture will eventually appear to be "no fighting posture at all", so natural is the process.