Kamae: Stance

Kamae is the foundational stance in Aikido, and Yoshinkan Aikido places particular emphasis on its correct execution. The posture can be taken in either Migi Hanmi (right foot forward), or Hidari Hanmi (Left foot forward) Here are the key points:

General Posture

• Natural and Relaxed: The body should feel grounded and balanced, without tension.

• Weight Distribution: Weight is distributed forward: Ju Shin Mai

• Center of Gravity: The center of gravity should be slightly below the navel, creating a stable base.

Upper Body

• Upright Torso: The spine is straight, with shoulders relaxed and slightly back.

• Arms: Posture mimics holding a sword with the forward hand fingers open strongly mid chest level, and the back hand at slightly in-front of the belt knot.  Both hands aligned to your center line. 

• Head: The head is upright, with eyes focused on the opponent.

Mental Focus

• Awareness: Maintain a constant awareness of the opponent's movements.

• Relaxation: Mental relaxation complements physical relaxation.

• Harmony: Seek harmony between mind and body.

Migi Hanmi Kamae

• Right Side basic stance, Right foot and Right Hand are extended forward

Hidari Hanmi Kamae

• Left Side basic stance, Left foot and Left Hand are extended forward

Shite and Uke

• Shite is the person executing the technique, or the balanced side.

• Uke is the person receiving the technique, or the falling side.

Ai Hanmi

• Represents Shite and Uke facing each other in Kamae (see Ma-Ai), where both are standing with the same foot forward (ie) Right to Right or Left to Left.

Gyaku Hanmi

• Represents Shite and Uke facing each other in mirrored Kamae (see Ma-Ai), or opposite forward footing.  Shite with left foot forward, and Uke with Right foot forward.

Ma-ai

• The correct distance between Shite and Uke.  Typically starting point for the execution of a technique in the kihon waza is approx 4 to 6 centimeters apart.

Video Examples

• Kamae: AYF (1)  / AYF (2) /  AYF (3) / AYF (4) / AYF (5) / 

Tai No Henko: Body Movement Exercise

Tai No Henko Ichi: Body Movement Exercise One

• Forward entering movement (irimi) when pulled, changing the center line of Kamae, by drawing a 's' shape with your feet and hips.  The basis for sokumen irimi nage (side entering throw).

Tai No Henko Ni: Body Movement Exercise Two

• A 95-degree turning motion to redirect energy coming towards Shite.  Pivoting by rotating the hips, allowing the back foot to describe an arc, while maintaining the front foot in place.

Hiriki No Yosei: Body Line Exercise

Hiriki No Yosei Ichi: Body Line Exercise One

• Body line exercise intended to move forward with the whole body (arms and legs) moving in unity.  From Kamae Shite slides forward staying on the same side, at the same time raising the arms up in a circular form like raising a sword.

Hiriki No Yosei Ichi: Body Line Exercise Two

• Body line exercise indented to shift shites center of gravity and center line from the front to the rear (ie) 180 degrees while extending and raising the arms up in a circular form like raising a sword. 

Shumatsu Dosa: Finishing Exercise

Shumatsu Dosa Ichi: Finishing Exercise One

• Directly related to the Shiho Nage technique, in exercise one moving forward as if pulled, by sliding forward on the same site, off the kamae centerl ine, then cross stepping forward again, then shifting to the rear, and finally moving forward again while cutting down with the arms.

Hiriki No Yosei Ichi: Finishing Exercise Two

• Directly related to the Shiho Nage technique, in exercise two Shite pivots 180 degrees to the rear while capturing the pushing energy of uke, then shifts again to the rear continuing the turn, and finally slides forward cutting down with the arms.