劍道人

shizen-tai 自然體 (自然体)

shizen-tai (n.)

“A basic kendo posture which is stable and natural.  From this posture, one can move one’s body or respond to an opponent’s moves quickly, accurately, and freely.”

--P.90 ; Japanese-English Dictionary of Kendo

Natural body posture is the fundamental posture of kendo kata and a primitive, natural, and tranquil posture. In such status, a man’s body is kept at a balance, which allows free move of body for attacks and counter-attacks with more swiftness and accuracy. This is not only an ideal posture of practicing kendo but a healthy one for daily life standing.

Must-knows About Natural Body Posture: (Please check in order):

(1) Find an balanced position with two feet standing on the parallel lines and well distance.

(2) Do not bend or stretch your knees. Keep them flexible and not stiff.

(3) Place your body weight in the middle between your feet. (Stand upright on the forefeet and hold your body using your calf and thigh fore muscles to maintain balance.)

(4) Straighten up your waist. (Kendo strikes are referred to waist strikes, making waist stance important in practicing correct strikes.)

(5) Gather ki (氣) using your lower abdominal region (one to three inches below the navel).

(6) Chest out with spine in a upright position.

(7) Relax your shoulders. (This helps retain flexible stamina.)

(8) Gently close your mouth. (Breathe through your nose and stomach and exhale from your mouth. Be as relaxed and natural as possible.

(9) Pull up your neck and tuck your chin. (Pull up your head as if someone is grabbing your hair.)

(10) Look directly on front as if you are gazing upon mountains far away. Keep comprehensive alertness for what happens around you.

(11) Look directly on front as if you are gazing upon mountains far away. Keep comprehensive alertness for what happens around you.

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P.S. Translation by T-UNITED Translation Service.