Kendo’s most fundamental and common stance is Chudan no Kamae (Chudan). There is no shield in Kendo, so taking the chudan stance has the Kendoka holding the single shinai in the center of the body with two hands angled at the opponent’s throat. Bearing the shinai with no protection of a secondary shield illustrates the idea of all or nothing in the spirit of the Japanese samurai compared to the European knight. Further, to debunk the misconceptions of Hollywood, in the sword dual or in Kendo, there are no big blocking techniques in the example of Star Wars. Kendokas practice deflections or Surinage Waza and Kaeshi Waza strategies that fall under the counter techniques of the Oji Waza category. These moves and ideas come after years of training from the chudan kamae. In a roundabout way, it is suggested that a Kendo player should practice chudan kamae until 3rd dan before changing stances to Jodan kamae, for example, with the shinai held above the head or training with two shinais (Nito-Ryu).
Recently, our sensei started showing techniques from the Jodan stance regarding how to attack from the position and how to attack the opponent in Jodan. With a little beginner’s luck, I was about to hit a training partner’s wrist (kote) successfully during the first time practicing from the Jodan stance. When asked how I felt about Jodan after practice, I confessed that I did not feel safe or protected and that my hands were waving to the crowd. Much like in Judo or Jiu Jitsu, I could see myself training Jodan if I injure my left rear leg and can no longer use Chudan. The Jodan stance would allow me to bring this left leg to the forward position. Also, I would use Jodan in my practice if I was taller or left-handed. The Jodan position attacks using the power of the left hand, and as a taller player, it would be more challenging to make contact with my helmet (Men) successfully. According to AI Chat (2023) playing kendo from the Jodan position can have several benefits:
1. Tactical Advantages: The Jodan position is a high guard position where the sword is held above the head. This positioning provides a unique angle of attack, making it difficult for opponents to defend or counterattack. It allows for quick and unexpected strikes, giving the Jodan player an advantage in controlling the match’s pace.
2. Psychological Advantage: The Jodan position can intimidate opponents because it is a less common and less conventional playing style. This uniqueness can put the opponent on the defensive and create a psychological advantage for the Jodan player.
3. Enhanced Reach and Speed: Playing from the Jodan position allows for longer reach as the sword is held higher, allowing the player to attack from a greater distance. Additionally, the Jodan position enables faster strikes and footwork as the player has a shorter distance to cover when attacking.
4. Improved Accuracy: The Jodan position encourages precision in striking as it targets the opponent’s head and upper body. By focusing on accuracy, Jodan players can aim for specific targets, increasing the chances of scoring points.
5. Adaptability: Playing from the Jodan position requires high adaptability. Jodan players often have to adjust their footwork, timing, and strategy as they face opponents who are more familiar with the more common Chudan position. This enhances overall kendo skills and helps the player become more versatile.
6. Competitive Advantage: As the Jodan position is less commonly used, opponents may need to be more accustomed to facing a Jodan player. This unfamiliarity can give the Jodan player an advantage in competitions, as opponents may need help finding effective strategies to counter the unique Jodan style. It is important to note that the benefits mentioned above may vary depending on individual skill level, strategy, and opponent’s familiarity with the Jodan position (AI Chat, 2023).
The Jodan stance in Kendo provides increased height advantage, range of attack, and the ability to surprise opponents. However, it requires practice and discipline to maintain balance and stability, and the Chudan stance remains the fundamental stance in Kendo. It is an alternative option for advanced players with specific physical attributes or injuries. My back has a new type of muscle soreness due to training from Jodan for now. Instead of pain in my lower back, it has moved to the center of my back. Ultimately, there are better times to walk down this path; however, I enjoy learning about Jodan to defend and attack against it from Chudan.
To The Reader The author will be most happy to receive your comments, including criticisms and suggestions. Noteworthy comments may be included in future editions or books on this series.
For more information about Tony Pacenski’s books and instructional in Martial Arts, visit: www.soulfight.net – Books, Instructionals, and Gear. www.gunjiuniversity.com – Military Arresting Technique – Books, Instructionals, and Certifications.
NEW INSTRUCTIONAL RELEASED!!! We are excited to announce this first instructional for Luta Livre in a continuing series for Opening, Middle, and End Game Theory. By studying the material in volume one, you will be able to differentiate yourself from others through a much better understanding of one of the most challenging positions in all of the grappling, half guard passing!
Hello Friends and Luta Livre Enthusiasts,
My name is “little” Tony Pacenski, and I am a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt (FAIXA PRETA), Luta Livre Black Belt, and Judo Black Belt. Having spent over 25 years studying Brazilian and Japanese Martial Arts, and I can tell you that I have many tricks to share with you. I have had one objective since developing my instructional DVDs and Digital content: to teach specific topics of Grappling that everyone, regardless of ability, could understand and apply. This new Opening, Middle, and End Game Theory for Luta Livre has done just this. My instructionals have reached students internationally in Brazil, Peru, Japan, Canada, Australia, United States, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, France, Italy, Germany, England, Eastern European Counties, and South Africa! Due to international requests from friends and enthusiasts like you, I have started this Luta Livre project. It is time to learn new approaches to your grappling game, and we made it easy for you at TONYPACENSKI.COM and SOULFIGHT.NET. Thanks for visiting, and enjoy the instructional content set at a fantastic price!
See you on the mat,
Prof. “little” Tony Pacenski Doctor of Education (EdD) Student
Luta Livre Instruction By Prof. “little” Tony Pacenski
This Instructional Provides You:
Effective Drills To Improve Half Guard Passing MethodsHow To Infuse A Strategy Of Commitment To Half Guard PassingThe Blue Print On Mixing Reference Points For Positional DominanceHow To Half Guard Pass With Crashing PressureLearn The Secrets Of Forcing The Common 3/4 Half Guard PositionsHow To Overcome Resistances That Occur During The Basic, Intermediate & Advance Smash Half Guard Passing StylesMy $300 Detail Of Equalizing Any Opponent From Resisting The Half Guard Knee Cut PassThe Strategies Of Half-Guard Passing When Opponents Runs Away From You Or Commit To Bridging OutDevelop A Half Guard Passing Game That Leads To The Front Mount And How To Make That Happen 8 Times Out of 10How To Use Your Legs, Body Weight and Grips To Generate So Much Pressure That Bottom Fighter Can't Wait For Your To Pass His or Her Half GuardAnd So Much More!!!!
TESTIMONIALS OF PROF. “little” TONY PACENSKI
THE OPENING, MIDDLE, AND END GAME THEORY- VOL.1 HALF GUARD PASSING
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