The stances of the Ninja

It is about time for another lesson about the ninja ways.While ninja are masters of armed combat they were gods when came to unarmed fighting. The ninja knew that the key to victory is in their kamae or stance. The ninja used 4 kinds of stances each being associated to an element.

Shinzen no kamae (natural posture) This stance is associated with the element of earth. To an untrained eye this looks nothing like a fighting posture the ninja basically stands upright facing his opponent, feet slightly apart, and arms at his side. This is the ninjas default position allowing the ninja to quickly whip out an attack.

Ichimomji no kamae (defensive posture)

This stance is accosiated with the element water, and is used when on the defensive. The ninja turn sideways to his opponent and squats slightly, with his knees bent and his feet spread wide. His front foot points forward, while his back one is at right angles to it. His right arm is bent so that his elbow guards the ribs, while his left arm is extended in front. This position keeps his center of gravity low, and by leading with his hips he can swivel quickly to block the opponent while still generating extreme force.

Jumonji no kamae (offensive posture) This posture is associated with the element fire, and is used to launch attacking moves. But he just stands up mostly straight, with slightly flexed knees and the feet planted slightly further apart than his hips. He has 1 foot leading a bit

but with the toes slightly pointing in to that the body is turned at a very slight angle to the opponent. He holds his fists just in front of his chin, crossed at the wrist, with his elbows covering his ribs.

Hira no kamae (receiving posture) This posture is associated with the element air or wind. Despite its corporate parent, is partly a defensive posture, good for blocking kicks and punches and then segueing into attack.

The ninja stands facing his opponent with his feet spread slightly and his knees flexed a bit. His arms are spread wide and raised above the shoulders, with the palms facing forward. He can swivel quickly at the waist and allows them to block punches or kicks before they can land.

To make these positions work the ninja needs lighting fast reflexes and a well-coordinated body, but the majority of the force he can apply comes from good technique. By moving the correct manner and shifting his center of gravity properly, the ninja can channel all his kinetic energy into each move, or cancel out an opponent's energy. Use this information to your advantage. Until we meet again.