KAMAE

Sei Gan Kamae (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.

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.

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.

Mae Bane no Kamae 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.

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.

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.