Jiyu kumite no kamae

The 'Jiyu-kumite no kamae' (posture of free-sparring) in traditional karate refers to the position of the upper body and arms in particular. Here I'm in a typical `kamae' which allows a direct lead hand jodan attack or defence and middle and upper level attacks or defenses with the rear hand.
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If I had to name three critical points in forming a good jiyu-gamae, in no particular order they would be as follows: (1) Control the defensive hand positions and movements with the elbows ; (2) Establish good shisei or posture so you can later break posture (yumi-gamae) depending on the situation, as typical of Asai Sensei; & (3) Fix the eyes to "see everything".

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Here is the article in Russian:

http://blog.karatedo.by/2011/03/andre-bertel-jiyu-kumite-no-kamae.html

© André Bertel. Christchurch, New Zealand 2011.