 ...Fundamental
to the improvement of one’s karate technique
is the acquisition of correct and balanced form.
Stance, as a term, must be thought of with regard
to the lower part of the body. For techniques
to be fast and accurate, powerfully and smoothly
executed, the stance must be strong and stable.
In karate, stance refers to the position of the
lower body, the hips and the legs, which literally
carry the upper body. Thus techniques are at their
best when form is at the optimum. The moment when
this is important is the instant in which a technique
is executed. Good form is not rigid. Over concentration
on maintaining a firm and stable position will
result in loss of mobility, which is necessary
for the succeeding movement.
Requirements of Good Stance
The basis of executing a technique
is correct stance plus balance and the harmonious
coordination of parts of the body, and all must
work together at the same time. In this way, techniques
become fast and powerful. The delicate control
that is required depends on and is guided by good
stance.
Classification of Stances
Stances can be divided into two
types according to the way the knees are used
in relation to the center of gravity.
-
Outside tension stance, the
knees are pressed strongly outward from the
mid line connecting the body’s center of
gravity and the floor, as in Zenkutsu dachi,
Shiko dachi and Kokutsu dachi.
- Inside tension, the knees are twisted inward,
as in Sanchin dachi, Neko ashi dachi and Naifanchi
dachi.
The Important Points
 Spreading
the Knees
Imagine a line connecting the knees and
extending on outward to the side. Spread the knees
strongly outward on the extended line.
Knees and
Toes
Whatever the stance, and the toes of
each leg should point in the same direction.
Knees and
Ankles
Knees and ankles must be bent sufficiently
and strongly.
Soles
The entire surface of the soles should
be in reliable contact with the floor. The feeling
is that of strong adhesion.
Position
of the Hips
According to the stance, the position
of the hips must be accurately differentiated.
Center of
Gravity
For strength and stability, it is necessity
to have the feeling that the connecting the navel
and the anus is as short as possible.
The height of the center of gravity is also a factor.
The lower the center of gravity, the more stables
the stance.
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