Kamae: Basic Postures in Katori Shinto Ryu

This publication is dedicated to the study of kamae, the fundamental postures of Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu, one of the oldest schools of Japanese swordsmanship still active today.

Not intending to take anything away from other books describing the history and status of Katori Shinto Ryu in Japan, this volume is dedicated to filling an information gap, concerning its technical aspects.

The kata that are practised within the school are nothing more than kamae made dynamic by movements that connect them to each other. For this reason the in-depth study of kamae is of primary importance.

Andrea Re, is 7th Dan - Menkyo Okuden of this school and one of the most active teachers of it. He studied with Goro Hatakeyama sensei, one of the most important figures of reference in the world of Katori Shinto Ryu.

Contents: Foreword. Introduction - How to use this manual. Part 1 - Holding the sword. Part 2 - Taito - Wear your sword. Part 3 - Nuki - Unsheathing the sword. Part 4 - Seigan. Part 5 - Migi Gedan. Part 6 - Hidari Gedan. Part 7 - Jodan. Part 8 - In no Kamae. Part 9 - Sha no Kamae. Part 10 - Shin no Kamae. Part 11 - Waki Dori. Part 12 - Ogasumi. Part 13 - Teura Kasumi. Part 14 - Ko Gasumi. Part 15 - Teura Do Uke. Part 16 - Irimi Ko Gasumi. Part 17 - Suwari Gedan. Part 18 - Maki Uchi Men. Conclusions. Who is Andrea Re. Acknowledgements. Dedication. Glossary.