kamae
Kamae (構え) is a term in Japanese martial arts referring to stance or posture and the accompanying state of readiness to engage in combat. The word comes from kamau, meaning to guard, prepare, or set up; kamae thus denotes both body position and mental focus in preparation for action. A kamae describes how the practitioner positions the body—feet, hips, spine, shoulders—and where the hands or weapon are held, with weight distributed to maintain balance. Proper kamae enables efficient movement, effective power transfer, and reliable defense, while fostering zanshin, or sustained awareness of the opponent.
In sword disciplines such as kenjutsu, iaido, and kendo, kamae often names specific guards, for example chudan-no-kamae
Long-term training of kamae emphasizes consistent alignment, timing, and reflexive response. It remains a physical discipline