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Description

Jōdan no Kamae (上段の構え), roughly translated as the High Posture, is a stance in traditional Japanese swordsmanship. The sword is held above the head, with the sword’s kisaki, or tip, pointing towards the back, and the blade facing upwards. It is further divided into two different types, the hidari, or left, and migi, or right, depending on which foot is leading.

Jōdan no Kamae, or simply Jōdan, is an aggressive stance that prioritizes reach, and speed over defense. Practitioners are also uniquely positioned to take advantage of the intimidating posture it provides. For this reason, Jōdan no Kamae is also referred to as the Ten-no-kamae (天の構え), or the Stance of Heaven, and Hi-no-kamae (火の構え), or the Stance of Fire.

A disadvantage of Jōdan no Kamae, which makes it difficult to adopt, is its weak defense. A swordsman assuming Jōdan no Kamae will have to fight with their throat, wrists, and torso open to attack. Expert use of seme (pressure) and kihaku (fiery spirit) is therefore a prerequisite to using the stance effectively.

Its equivalent stance in German sword schools is the Dach, or the Roof. In Italian swords schools, its equivalent is the Bocca di Falcone, or the Falcon’s Beak. In the case of the Italian Bolognese-Dardi school, the comparable stance is the Guardia Alta, or High Guard. These styles have further variations, depending on whether the weapon used is a one-handed sword or a two-handed one.

Description

Jōdan no Kamae (上段の構え), roughly translated as the High Posture, is a stance in traditional Japanese swordsmanship. The sword is held above the head, with the sword’s kisaki, or tip, pointing towards the back, and the blade facing upwards. It is further divided into two different types, the hidari, or left, and migi, or right, depending on which foot is leading.

Jōdan no Kamae, or simply Jōdan, is an aggressive stance that prioritizes reach, and speed over defense. Practitioners are also uniquely positioned to take advantage of the intimidating posture it provides. For this reason, Jōdan no Kamae is also referred to as the Ten-no-kamae (天の構え), or the Stance of Heaven, and Hi-no-kamae (火の構え), or the Stance of Fire.

A disadvantage of Jōdan no Kamae, which makes it difficult to adopt, is its weak defense. A swordsman assuming Jōdan no Kamae will have to fight with their throat, wrists, and torso open to attack. Expert use of seme (pressure) and kihaku (fiery spirit) is therefore a prerequisite to using the stance effectively.

Its equivalent stance in German sword schools is the Dach, or the Roof. In Italian swords schools, its equivalent is the Bocca di Falcone, or the Falcon’s Beak. In the case of the Italian Bolognese-Dardi school, the comparable stance is the Guardia Alta, or High Guard. These styles have further variations, depending on whether the weapon used is a one-handed sword or a two-handed one.