From the 'Shintō Yawara Hisho' (心當和秘書), which was the transmission scroll passed from Takeda Tarobei (武田 太郎兵衛 - the lineal head of the Nagahama branch 長浜派 of the Ryōi Shintō-ryū 良移心当流) to his successor Maki Sōjūrō (牧宗十郎) in 1840.

"Kakemachi no Koto 掛待之事 (stand off and wait)
In combat, do not strike first; wait for your attacker to attack; when you do move in, never forget the principles of koshi (腰 hip/waist area; i.e. to keep low, stable and supple)."

Ryōi Shintō-ryū Shihan (師範) - James Shortt describes 'kamae' as being more than just stance, or stability, but also as a posture of attitude.

He wrote:

"When in a non-threat situation, movement is undertaken in an upright or 'natural' posture. Movement is achieved through turning through right and left sided natural postures (i.e. walking). (Note: This would be 'Shizentai' 自然体 - natural body posture.)

In a threat situation, the body should turn on the side to enable greater reach, greater stability for easier movement and evasion, but primarily because it represents a smaller target area.

The body is also lowered to lessen the target area still more and to consolidate and stabilise balance even further. This crouch position also affords greater agility in movement."