The Chudan stance in Kendo is considered one of the most basic and important stances due to its simplicity and high tactical value.
This stance has a good balance between defense and attack, and is used by a wide range of players, from beginners to experts.
In this article, we will explain in detail the basic form of Chudan no Kamae, how to take it, and the points to keep in mind when maintaining it.
By mastering the proper Chudan stance, you can further deepen your Kendo techniques and improve your performance in matches.
Be sure to understand this basics and apply it in your daily practice.
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What is Chudan stance?
Chudan stance in Kendo is one of the most basic yet effective stances.
It is widely used in Kendo competitions and practices, providing a balanced position for attack and defense.
Basic form
In Chudan stance, the shinai is held forward with the tip of the sword at the level of the opponent’s throat.
From this stance, you can move quickly to attack, while also being prepared to react appropriately to your opponent’s attacks.
Ideally, your arms should be relaxed and naturally extended, with your elbows slightly bent.
Center of gravity and foot position
Your center of gravity should remain stable and low, and your feet should be planted firmly on the ground.
Typically, you will place your right foot slightly forward (about a step) and your left foot behind you.
This arrangement allows for smooth forward, backward, and sideways movements.
The appropriate distance between your feet is about shoulder width, and your body should be relaxed but ready to move at any time.
Features
The biggest feature of the Chudan stance is its versatility. From this stance, you can quickly transition to basic Uchi techniques such as Men, Kote, and Do, and you can also instantly take a defensive stance.
It is also used by a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced users, as it makes it easy to read the other person’s intentions and allows for a variety of reactions depending on the situation.
Chudan stance is an important technique that can be called the “basic of basics” in kendo, and mastering it is directly linked to improving your skill in kendo.
By learning and maintaining the correct Chudan stance, you will be able to effectively demonstrate the various techniques of Kendo.
Advantages of Chudan stance
The Chudan stance is the most common stance in Kendo and has many tactical advantages.
Offense and defense from this stance are very balanced and can be used in a variety of ways during a match.
Versatility and adaptability
The biggest advantage of the Chudan stance is its versatility.
This stance is excellent not only for attack but also for defense, allowing you to react quickly and appropriately according to your opponent’s movements.
In addition, it is easy to adapt to any form or style of kendo, and can be used by a wide range of players from beginners to advanced players.
Reach and reaction speed
From the middle stance, you can secure a good reach (distance to reach) towards your opponent.
Because the tip of the sword is always positioned at the level of the opponent’s throat, it is possible to quickly strike or thrust the men, kote, and torso.
This speed reduces reaction time and allows you to get ahead of your opponent.
Defensive safety
The middle stance is also very effective in defense.
By positioning the stance in the center, it is easier to cover the entire body, especially protecting against thrusting attacks.
Also, since you are in a position where you can easily see your opponent’s attacks, it is easier to read your opponent’s intentions and take appropriate defensive actions.
Mobility and attack versatility
The Chudan stance is easy to move in all directions, including forward, backward, and lateral movement, thereby maintaining attack versatility.
You can quickly close the distance when attacking, and you can quickly retreat if necessary.
This mobility gives you more tactical options in a match.
mental focus and pressure
Chudan stance also has the effect of putting mental pressure on the opponent.
Having a solid stance allows you to face your opponent with confidence and poise, which can be intimidating to your opponent.
Because of these benefits, Chudan Kamae is frequently used in Kendo matches, allowing for a variety of tactical approaches.
When used properly, it can increase attack efficiency and strengthen defense, which is the key to success in a match.
Basic movements of Chudan stance
Correctly adopting the Chudan stance in Kendo is extremely important to building the foundation for effective attacks and solid defense.
Here, we will explain in detail the correct way to take Chudan stance and how to use your body to maintain it.
How to take Chudan stance
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Foot position :
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your right foot slightly in front of you. Ideally, the toes of the front and back feet should be in a nearly straight line, and the heels of both feet should be slightly apart. This foot placement supports quick movements during attack and defense.
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Body posture :
- Keep your back straight and lower your hips slightly to increase your sense of stability. Although your center of gravity is slightly forward, your body remains naturally relaxed.
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How to hold a bamboo sword :
- The Shinai is held naturally with both hands, with the right hand placed on the center line of the body, approximately at the obi position. Place your left hand slightly forward so that the tip of the sword points towards your opponent’s throat. Your arms should be stretched naturally and you should be careful not to put too much pressure on your shoulders.
How to use your body to maintain stance
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Core stability :
- By using your core firmly and keeping your back straight throughout the movement, you will increase the stability of your stance. A stable core allows you to respond to quick movements and sudden changes, allowing you to smoothly switch between attack and defense.
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Breathing control :
- By taking deep, calm breaths, you can release tension in your body and become more focused. Breathing from the abdomen relaxes both body and mind, and has the effect of reducing fatigue during battle.
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Holding eye contact :
- Always focus your gaze on the other person’s eyes and center. This allows you to accurately capture your opponent’s movements, making it easier to determine the timing of an effective attack.
Chudan no kamae shows its true value when these basic movements are executed correctly.
It is important to acquire these basics through daily practice and refine them as Kendo techniques.
Correct stance contributes to improving confidence and technique, not only in competition but also in Kendo training as a whole.
How to practice Chudan stance
In order to effectively master Chudan stance, maintaining correct form and practicing repeatedly are essential.
Below, we will introduce drills and techniques to effectively practice Chudan stance.
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Basic posture exercises :
- While maintaining correct posture, you will repeatedly practice the basic movements of taking Chudan stance. Use a mirror to check your stance and make sure each part of your body is aligned correctly. In particular, be sure your back is straight, your knees are properly bent, and your shinai is in the correct position.
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Combination of movement and stance :
- Maintain the Chudan stance while moving forward, backward, and from side to side. Through this practice, you will acquire the skills to maintain your balance and stance while moving. Always try to keep the shinai in a constant position while moving smoothly.
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Application in interpersonal practice :
- Practice with a partner and practice how to use Chudan stance in a real fighting situation. In response to an opponent’s attack, he quickly reacts from a middle stance and attempts to defend or counter. Also, when attacking, check the flow of the natural transition from stance to strike technique.
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Improved endurance and concentration :
- By practicing holding stances for long periods of time, you can train your physical strength and concentration at the same time. It is important to hold the Chudan stance for several minutes and control the tension and relaxation of your body during this time. This will improve your stamina and mental focus during matches.
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Video shooting and analysis :
- Record a video of your practice and watch it later to analyze improvements to your stance and movements. By checking your own movements from an objective perspective and incorporating feedback from instructors and experienced players, you can improve your technique more efficiently.
Through these practice methods, improve the accuracy and ability to maintain Chudan stance, and firmly master the basic skills of Kendo.
Tactical example using Chudan stance
Chudan stance allows for a variety of tactical approaches in a Kendo match.
Below, we will introduce specific strategies and examples of how to utilize Chudan no Kamae in an actual match.
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Pressure tactics :
- Slowly move forward while applying pressure on your opponent from a middle stance. This progression makes the opponent feel pressured and nervous, inviting them to make mistakes. This tactic creates a great opportunity to aim for quick strikes to your opponent’s kote or men. For example, by anticipating the moment when your opponent moves carelessly due to pressure, you can quickly connect it to men-uchi or kote-uchi.
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Attacks using reaction speed :
- Chudan stance is best for maximizing reaction speed. It is possible to assess your opponent’s attack movements and take advantage of that momentary gap to launch a counter attack. For example, when your opponent attacks you in the face, techniques such as quickly stepping in and hitting the small hand are effective.
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Shift from sustained defense to attack :
- The middle stance allows for a smooth transition from defense to attack, allowing for sustained defense while inducing fatigue and impatience in the opponent. This is a tactic of quickly advancing and counterattacking once the opponent’s attack has weakened. This allows you to target areas where your opponent’s defenses are weak (e.g. face, torso).
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Tactics that make full use of distance adjustment :
- From the middle stance, you can freely control the sense of distance. Encourage your opponent to attack while maintaining a suitable distance between you and your opponent. The moment your opponent launches an attack, you can close the distance and deliver a swift blow.
These tactics are useful for maximizing the benefits of Chudan stance and gaining an advantage in a variety of match situations.
By repeatedly practicing based on Chudan stance, you will be able to naturally acquire these tactics and improve your ability to apply them in matches.
summary
Chudan stance is one of the most basic stances in Kendo, and its understanding and mastery greatly influences Kendo techniques as a whole.
In this article, we have explained in detail the basic form of Chudan no Kamae, its characteristics, the correct way to take it, how to use your body to maintain it, and specific practice methods and tactical examples that utilize Chudan no Kamae.
The benefits of the Chudan stance are manifold. It has a good balance between attack and defense, and is easy to adapt to any form or style of kendo, so it is used by a wide range of people, from beginners to experts.
From this stance, a variety of approaches are possible in a match, such as attacks that take advantage of reach, defense that allows quick reactions, and even tactics that apply mental pressure to the opponent.
Mastering an effective Chudan stance requires repeated practice of basic postures, integration of movement techniques, application in interpersonal training, and training to increase endurance and concentration.
Through these exercises, improving the accuracy of Chudan stance and the ability to maintain it will directly lead to improving Kendo techniques.
For those studying Kendo, a deep understanding and proper practice of Chudan kame is essential to success in competition.
Acquiring these basics through daily practice and continuing to maintain them is the key to improving your technique and gaining confidence.
