TECHNIQUES
General
Stances
Kicks
Punches
Techniques
List by Kata
Combinations
Basics Set 1
Basics Set 2

Basic Stances

Ready Stances (Kamaekata)

Stance

Description

Kata

formal attention stance

chokuritsu-fudo-dachi

 Heels are together with toes pointing outward at 60° angle.

Fukyugata Series

open-leg natural stance

soto-hachiji-shizentai-dachi

 Feet are separated to the width of the shoulders. The toes point out at 45° angles. Pinan Series

closed-foot stance

heisoku-dachi

 Feet are fully together, parallel, and point directly ahead.

Naihanchi Series
 

Stances (Tachikata)

Stance

Description

Kata

natural stance
walking stance

shizentai-dachi

 Distance between the feet is the same as if you were taking a step forward. Front foot points directly forward, back foot points away at a 45° angle.
Weight distribution is 50% back, 50% front.		 Most

front-leg-bent stance
front stance

zenkutsu-dachi

 Long walking stance, with feet same distance apart as for horseback and naihanchi stance.
Weight distribution is 70% front, 30% back.		 Most

cat stance

nekoashi-dachi

 Foot position same as in walking stance, but weight is dropped onto back leg. Front foot lightly rests on the floor. Front heel may be raised.
Weight distribution is 70% back, 30% front.		 Most

wide open-leg stance
horseback stance

jigotai-dachi

Feet are placed slightly farther than shoulder width apart, pointing out at 45° angles. Weight is low so knees are bent.
Weight distribution is 50% left, 50% right.

 Pinan Nidan
Pinan Godan

cross-leg stance

kosa-dachi

 Front foot points to side, parallel to front. Front leg is bent. Back leg knee is pressed into front knee, and back foot toes are directly behind heel of front foot. Back heel is off the foot. Body faces front.
Weight distribution is 50% front, 50% back.		 Pinan Shodan

kneeling stance

iaigoshi-dachi

 Kneeling on one knee, back foot toes on the ground so foot is raised. Front leg perpendicular to floor. Pinan Godan

straddle leg stance
naihanchi stance

naihanchi-dachi

 Feet and body are in same position as in horseback stance, but feet are parallel to one another. Naihanchi Ichi
Naihanchi Ni
Naihanchi San
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