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Definitions from the Web:

1. Fighting postures/stances.
2. Guard or posture.
3. Attitude or posture. The stances; a general term found in all of the Japanese disciplines.
4. Attitude or spirit in the performance of techniques or kata.
5. Kamae may also connote proper distance with respect to one’s opponent.
6. A ready position or posture.
7. A Japanese term used in the martial arts. It translates approximately to “posture”. The Kanji of this word means “base”.

My definition or usage of kamae in practice is to take a posture and stance when engaged in combat. It is understood that there are esoteric traits or qualities a person must assume in order for it to function well and actually work in combat. Some of the esoteric traits/qualities can be:

Zanshin-mushin, chinkuchi, ma-ai, kime, rhythm, spirit, body mechanics, and so on.

When we refer to taking kamae we are referring to the assumption of the posture and stance, nothing more nor nothing less. The additional attributes some speak of and attach to the term and usage of kamae would be an elaboration of the terms use by that individual or group. Does this mean that kamae means all that, nope, it simply means taking a posture and stance.

An example, is in Ken-do, one can take a chudan-no-kamae, gedan-no-kamae, or jodan-no-kamae. This means middle, lower, or upper posture and stance. There are not specific rules that say one must take a particular stance such as heiko-dachi with a specific holding of the arms and hands. This is what makes “taking kamae” universal and unique in that what ever stance and posture you assume you are taking a kamae.

Understand that in my view kamae means just what I describe, posture and stance. I also want to elude to the fact that if you do not take on and practice those traits and qualities I partially describe here then that means your kamae is not effective or very good.

To assume that one solid and perfect kamae you must practice bringing all those other esoteric and exoteric traits and qualities into that one kamae.

I really enjoy reading posts and articles on such topics as kamae because although the term does not necessarily encompass the additional idea’s posed in such writings it does make one think and if that enhances the practice and training of a person then it is a good thing.

In my humble opinion it is not good to enhance meanings just to make them look and sound exotic. Just append the idea’s on to the meaning, true meaning, as an exercise in the possibilities. Much like teaching tuite in Isshinryu. It is not Isshinryu so don’t say it is so. Just say that you teach tuite in your Isshinryu training hall.

Accuracy is the hallmark of a true bushi. We practice for accuracy in history, the techniques, the kata, the wearing of the uniform for it reflects on our way and by osmosis reflects on those who trained us and has great effect on those we train and come in contact with in our journey.