Stances

We have combined varied terms to make it easier to learn combinations of terms eg, the type, target and direction of a strike. This is how commands are delivered in a class. This is an alphabetic list. Look up each individual term  to understand its root meaning.

ASHI
Foot, as in Neko Ashi, Tsugi Ashi, Sugi Ashi or the cat foot stance, shuffle foot manoeuvre or the crane foot form

AYUMI ASHI
Walking step; as used in basic manoeuvring exercises or kihon nido

DACHI
Stance

HEISOKU DACHI
Standing feet together from heels to toes, closed foot stance

HEIKO DACHI
Standing with feet shoulder width apart, fist clenched and held to the exterior side of the legs, also called Yoi No Kamae, the ready stance

HAN ZENKUTSU DACHI
Half lunge stance. Back knee drops down to front toes.

KOKOTSU DACHI
Back or reverse stance, backward leaning stance

MOTO DACHI
Fighting stance; three quarter stance or lunge stance with a shortened reach by one step, equal weight distribution on both feet allowing easier take off; stance developed for competition sparring

MUSUBI DACHI
Formal attention stance with heels together and feet facing 45 degrees outwards

NEKO ASHI DACHI
Cat foot stance

RENOJI DACHI
Natural stance or preparatory stance to the cat foot stance; the feet are positioned in the cat foot stance but the forward foot remains on the floor (compared to the raised foot position in the cat foot stance). Also called the V-stance.

SANCHIN DACHI
Three-point or three battle stance; hour glass stance; weight distributed equally, feet shoulder width with the front foot turned in 45°, back toes in line with heel of front foot

SHIKO DACHI
Lowered squatting stance with legs wide apart and knees back, straddle stance

SHIKO DACHI KYUJUDO
Lowered stance position at a 90° angle facing the front

SHIKO DACHI YONJUGODO
Lowered stance position at a 45° angle facing the front

SAGIASHI DACHI
Crane leg stance

SURIASHI DACHI
The drag foot stance with a forceful rush forward to offset the opponents balance

ZENKUTSU DACHI
Full lunge stance with weight distribution 60% / 40% back and front legs. Back knee drops down to front heel.

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