Katana Kamae or Postures with the Katana

All sword schools or ryu basically use these postures. There may be slight variations but this will give you a basic idea. These are also known as attitudes and happo-kamae (eight postures)

Chu dan middle level 1

Jo dan upper level 2 Lift heel slightly on back foot.

Right foot forward: migi jo-dan left foot forward hidori jo-dan

Ge dan lower level 3

Hasso Right side 4 (migi yoko)

Waki Right side 5

Waki Left side 6 (hidori yoko)

Hasso Left side 7

Practice each posture static, or standing still. Move from each position smoothly.

Pick up speed as you move from posture to posture. Don’t move fast, but with a “dynamic” or sense of almost urgency. (Attitude)
After you have this exercise down sufficiently, add a cut from each posture.

Follow the sword; let it take you in a natural direction. 5-8

Be smooth and allow the blade to do its work. Power and speed will come later. Learn to become one with your blade first.

Practice! Practice! Practice!