Busted: Kasumi no Kamae (ninja style)

BlueSaryu Says:

Dec 10, 2008 - there are many problems with how you are performing the stance, but it mainly comes down to feet. The front foot should be a little more to his right, so that his back actually is BEHIND him. Also, the way to block from Kocho no Kamae (Kasumi is actually a different stance, but they are easily mixed up)is to thrust the blade forward so that it intercepts the path of the opponent's sword and allows you to get inside his guard and counter-strike. I'd like to see this re-tested (no hard feelings).

schneedsasian Says:

Dec 15, 2008 - i'm not sure if this is for this particular style, but, i was taught from that stance to block by stepping back or to the side. You don't move the blade down to block. You step back. And when teh opponent hits the blade, your supposed to transfer the energy into a fast spinning slash. Just wanted to put out my opinion. I'd like to see this re-tested.

SwordMythBusters Says:

Dec 16, 2008 - We will make a reply to this this weekend.

SwordMythBusters Says:

Dec 16, 2008 - We will make a reply to this this weekend.

BlueSaryu Says:

Dec 22, 2008 - what happened to this weekend?

MuMuLi Says:

Dec 22, 2008 - Snowboarding trip, will post it as soon as we are back. sorry for the delay

VorpalDrake Says:

Dec 25, 2008 - In the high stance, with the point forward, try extending, but not locking the arms, upwards, & slightly forwards, with hilt held high, & sword point angled to the opponent's face (to present a threat). Do not torque your wrists. Keep your hips squared forwards, instead of to the side, taking a forward stable stance, with the weight of your body centered in the balls of your feet (1 foot in front of the other). Keep your elbows as close to each other as possible.

VorpalDrake Says:

Dec 25, 2008 - The closed elbows help to absorb the force of a sword strike better. The sword is now angled forwards & high, where your opponent may no longer close in from the front w/o risking a thrust to his face. Your back should not be exposed, in this stance, which you can take & cover on both sides.

VorpalDrake Says:

Dec 25, 2008 - The guard I described is not Eastern, but an Historical European sword guard, found in 14th Century Mediaeval Italian swordsmanship, which uses longswords. It is known as the Posta di Fenestra, or the Guard of the Window.

SwordMythBusters Says:

Dec 25, 2008 - I know what you are talking about regarding longsword high guard. In this video, we mainly discuss the kasumi kamae in many ninjutsu schools. In our review of the kasumi stance bust, we will definitely present your ideas. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

VorpalDrake Says:

Dec 26, 2008 - Thanks. I feel that what you're doing here is great work. I just wanted to take the chance to share more about HEMA.