Doko no Kamae (Noguchi Sensei)

Описание: Noguchi Sensei performing basic movements from Doko no Kamae 怒虎之構 at the 1988 London Taikai. Demonstrating nimbleness of the legs, heart, and mind together.

Shinden Kohyo no Hikan 神伝虎変の秘巻 (The Secret Chronicle of Divine Tiger Transformation) describes five kamae; five aspects of an inner attitude which spontaneously grows within us in an emergency. Regardless of the external form we assume in the event of an acute emergency, and no matter what happens around us these Five Tiger Kamae are a way to describe the internal changes and spirit shifts we naturally experience within ourselves. These five tiger postures form the basis for what is called the "Combative Mindset". If you deeply consider the poem of Koppojutsu below and the Tiger "lights", you can see the essence of the poem means to develop a strong spiritual power that can win by prayer (Jumon) without having to take a life.

Koppôjutsu no Uta: "A warrior prays for peace so that we do not have to kill. For if the opponent attacks we must take their life. This is the skill of not fighting."

The five tiger postures are stages of how a mother tiger would emotionally and mentally change her state to protect her baby cub when an enemy or predator would be approaching her family. As a parent, if I had a new born baby who was helpless to defend itself I would need to cover that baby myself and provide for it. I would need to nurse that baby and feed it. I would do whatever it takes to protect the life of my child and loved ones even if it means sacrificing my own life for their well-being.

1. Fukko no Kamae 伏虎の構 - (Crouching Tiger) is a posture in which we lie quietly observe the movement of the enemies force with sharp eyes, and then suddenly change into a fierce/ferocious tiger to fight.

2. Boko no Kamae 暴虎の構 - (Violent/Raging Tiger) is a posture that whips up the wind and a feeling that you are “under penalty” and then fights.

3. Uko no Kamae 飢虎の構 - (Starving/Hungry Tiger) is a terrifying posture, struggling in a Sutemi state, it is about "eat or be eaten". Feel in the depths of yourself the sacrifice waiting to die so that others may live. Such sits in your eyes, no matter what happens thereafter.

4. Komochi Tora no Kamae 子持虎の構 - (Nursing Tiger and Cub Cover) is a desperate posture, used when your intention is to protect others at any and all costs.

5. Goko no Kamae 轟虎の構 - (Thundering/Roaring Tiger) is like a bombardment of thunder when faced with a strong enemy.