1.) Sei Gan (Kihon no Kamae) - This
is the basic position. Standing in kumite no tachi,
hold the nunchaku in front
of your solar plexus with the string facing up. The top of the nunchaku
should
be at about chin-level. If standing left foot forward, your left hand should be
forward.
If standing right foot forward the right hand should be forward. This
is a more conservative position.
From here, you can both attack and block
easily.
2.) Jodan no Kamae - Hold the nunchaku horizontally over your
head. Again, the same-side
foot and hand should be forward. Most likely this
position is used to give pressure to an opponent.
It is a more offensive
position and is used to threaten the opponent.
3.) Gedan no Kamae - Hold the nunchaku horizontally at
thigh-level. The hands should be slightly back.
This is more of a defensive
position. Most likely, this kamae is used to wait for and opponent's attack
and
follow up with a counter-strike.
4.) Mae Bane no kame - Hold the nunchaku vertically with both
hands out in front of the mid-section.
This position is primarily used to block
an attack and then counter.
5.) Juji no Kamae (Waki Kamae) - Hold one side of the nunchaku
horizontally over the shoulder
with the string facing to the back. Pass the
other side around the arm and hold it at your armpit.
From this position, you
can both attack and block. it is difficult for an opponent to read your
movements.
6.) Ura Gamae - Hold one side of the nunchaku vertically so that the string is at the middle of your back. Reach behind your back with the other hand to grasp the other side. This position is usually used to wait for an attack and then counter. It is also difficult for an opponent to read your movements ahead of time.
Note: It is up to you which kamae you use. It also depends on the situation in deciding which kamae to use. An opponent can sometimes read your intended movements by looking at your kamae. Knowing this, more advanced students can use kamae to throw off their opponent.