KAMAE must be conscientiously active: both tangibly and intangibly

Still from my daily self-training on June 28th, 2023. Movement two of HEIAN NIDAN.

Many non-karate practitioners' question “why do Shotokan karateka have such low guards?” and rightfully so.

 

The answer to this question is simple: “the dominance of point-based kumite competitions”. To be clear about this, generally speaking a Chudan Kamae (middle-level guard) allows one to most readily stop one’s opponent from ‘snatching a point’ (an ippon or a wazari).

 

That being said, the typical Chudan Gamae used in kumite competitions still has its place in Budo Karate. 

 

So how is this the case? Out of distance a Gedan Gamae (or ‘no Kamae’—Shizentai) is employed such as ryoken daitai mae. Once one comes into the so-called ‘kicking range’ the guard raises to Chudan Kamae. And, when coming into ‘punching range’/‘striking range’ the guard rises further into a Jodan Gamae. Please note, this is ‘generally speaking’ as one might use a particular Kamae in a different range for tactical reasons; however, when using the Kamae to cover up, it usually changes according to maai. A good example of strategies interrelated with this can be found in this article here: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2022/06/sen-no-sen-tai-no-sen-and-sen-sen-no-sen.html

 

Also, and needless to say, techniques transcend categorical ranges. For example, an oi-zuki can be launched and impact from the generic ‘kicking distance’ and tate mawashi-geri, depending on flexibility and strength, can be executed inside the punch/striking range.

 

I need to add here that the Chudan Gamae and Chudan-waza (in general) are obviously centralized; thereby, with “…merely a slight adjustment jodan or gedan attacks and defenses can be achieved”. Furthermore, practicing Chudan helps one to focus on their own center. While this may seem overly simplistic, that’s because it is! I like the saying ‘it’s easy to make things complicated’. Accordingly, simplifying practice helps to acquire depth of knowledge by removing the metaphorical fog. 

Self-training: June 30th, 2023.

On another note, there’s a saying here in Japan. Based on an opponent of the same height and reach, “the longest reaching waza that one has are Chudan waza (plural)”. This is actually a sports karate perspective. Budo karateka see this same point in another way: “The ‘deepest impacting technique’ are Chudan-waza”. Chudan attacks literally target the spine. This is the ‘traditional aim’.

 

I need to elucidate that one’s Kamae in Budo Karate is also active in other ways. In particular, Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei was the JKA’s top expert in the field of ducking; that is, ‘head movement—‘bobbing and weaving’ etcetera. Asai Sensei taught that this was inseparable from one’s Kamae. His most famous waza being his technique dubbed ‘the submarine’ where he could suddenly duck under a kick. 

 

In addition to this, being able to ‘sprawl’ when the opponent attempts a ‘shoot’ or tackle you to the ground is also a part of the Kamae. 

 

Lastly, one’s 'Psychological Kamae' also exists. This place includes receptivity and reactivity, being able attack or counterattack whilst keeping your defense (like practiced in Kaeshi Ippon Kumite), and Zanshin following your respective actions. The overarching theme in these regards is 無心 (Mushin). In this way, one’s karate functions automatically, with optimal effectiveness, even when suddenly attacked and injured. Without this point—this ‘Kamae’—, even with all the knowledge and the best external technique, one will be overcome by a strong and relentless attacker. Many karateka now fall into this category and cover their inadequacy by ample theoretical banter. Here's a link to an article on the 'psychological kamae', which may be a useful supplement to this post: André Bertel's Karate-Do: Psychological Kamae (andrebertel.blogspot.com)

To conclude, Chudan Gamae is important in the right context and for training. Also for those competing. Nevertheless, in real fights and self-defense the Kamae must change according to maai and the opponent's actions. In other words, our KAMAE must be conscientiously active: both tangibly and intangibly.

Kanazawa Hirokazu Sensei and Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei: 'BEST KARATE: KUMITE 1"

 © André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).