Stances by George Hernandez

There are several ways to categorize stances (dachi in Japanese; sohgi in Korean).

Number of feet. The majority of stances use two feet so most of this page will discuss two-footed stances --there are, however, exceptions:
- One-legged stances. EG: Kicking.
- Prone stances. EG: Shooting while on your stomach.
- Knee stances. EG: Shooting while kneeling.
Knee orientation.
- The knees should never be locked out (hyperextended). The knees should always be at least slightly bent with flexion.
- The knees should not bear weight while bent more than 90 degrees.
- Sideways abduction should be minimized. The EMAs have stances that focus on inner tension (EG: sanchin dachi, the Japanese hourglass stance) or outer tension (EG: kiba dachi, the Japanese horse stance) on the knees but they have to be done carefully by doing things such as making sure that the toes face the same way as the knees.
Placement of weight.
- The center of gravity should always fall somewhere between the feet for stability --otherwise the person will tend to be off balance.
- Stances are usually one of three kinds:
  - A "front stance" is when the front foot bears the weight.
  - A "middle stance" is when the feet bear the weight easily.
  - A "back stance" is when the back foot bears the weight.
- Awareness of the weight bearing foot is tactically important --either to move or to be aware of what your opponent might do.
  - Usually the weight bearing foot is about to act as the pivot foot (jiku ashi in Japanese).
  - Usually the non-weight bearing foot is about to be the moving foot (do kyaku in Japanese).
Width of stances in relation to facing. The width or length the base formed by the feet determines stability.
- A wider or longer base is more stable. However, a base that is too wide or long may have more reach but it is also potentially immobilizing and dangerous. Some styles (EG: Shotokan karate) use a lot of long and deep stances for exercise during training.
- Many stances are set up so that you can step without crossing your feet or getting your legs and feet tangled up.
- Most practical stances are a body width. EG: The most common stances is a natural stance with the feet one body width apart and one foot ahead of the other by a foot.
Height of stance.
There are different stances and footwork for different needs:
- Style (EG: karate v sumo)
- Weapon (EG: hand v rapier)
- Quantity (EG: one v many)
- Tactical goal (EG: waiting, attacking, defending, hiding, sideways movement, etc.)
- Actual usage versus stances for training, safety, and physical development
- Stable versus transitional stances

Page Modified: (Hand noted: 2007-10-15 23:40:06Z) (Auto noted: 2010-12-24 22:53:47Z)