Foundations
Sixteen stances, from the formal positions a session opens with to the fighting bases everything else is thrown from. Each one is scored for how stable it is and how freely you can move out of it.
Stances
16
From basic positions to advanced fighting stances
High stability
7 of 16
Bases built to hold ground under pressure
High mobility
5 of 16
Bases you can move out of without resetting
Learn proper weight distribution and body positioning
Organized by difficulty from beginner to advanced
The everyday positions — formal openings and the bases most kihon is drilled from.
Blocked Foot Stance
Hay-so-koo Dah-chee
Feet held tightly together with spine and neck in straight line. Arms drop naturally to sides with fists clenched.
Formal stance used at beginning and end of training, showing respect and discipline.
Open Foot Stance
Moo-soo-bee Dah-chee
Heels touching with toes separated at 60° angle. Often used at beginning of Kumite and Kata.
Starting position for kata and kumite, allows quick movement in any direction.
Parallel Foot Stance
Hay-koh Dah-chee
Feet separated to shoulder width with toes pointed straight ahead. Common stance for attacking and defending.
Versatile stance used for both offensive and defensive techniques.
Forward Stance
Zen-koot-soo Dah-chee
One leg extends behind with knee straight and foot turned outward. Upper body leans slightly forward with front leg bent.
Primary attacking stance providing strong forward momentum and stability.
Back Stance
Koh-koot-soo Dah-chee
Most weight on back leg with front leg lightly placed forward. Allows quick front leg kicks and defensive posture.
Defensive stance ideal for blocking and quick front leg techniques.
Horse Stance
Kee-bah Dah-chee
Similar to Shiko Dachi but feet point forward with tension on inner feet. Position resembles riding a horse.
Powerful side stance for lateral movements and punching techniques.
Inner Figure 8 Stance
Oo-chee Hah-chee-jee Dah-chee
Feet shoulder width apart with toes turned in and heels turned out, resembling Japanese character for 8.
Strengthening stance emphasizing inner leg tension and stability.
Outer Figure 8 Stance
Soh-toh Hah-chee-jee Dah-chee
Similar to Fudo Dachi but with feet wider apart for increased stability.
Stable natural stance for beginning movements or recovery.
Two-Legged Stance
Moh-roh Ah-shee Dah-chee
Feet one shoulder width apart with one foot just in front of the other, toes pointing forward.
Loose and versatile preparatory stance allowing quick adjustments.
T-Shaped Stance
Shoo-moh-koo Dah-chee
One foot points straight forward, second foot perpendicular making 90° angle. Heels touching, body faces forward.
Formal stance providing stable position with clear directional orientation.
Where you stand when someone is standing opposite you.
Ready Stance
Foo-doh Dah-chee
Natural ready position with feet slightly wider than shoulders. Stable and prepared stance.
Starting position showing readiness while maintaining natural balance.
Fighting Stance
Sahn-cheen Dah-chee
Common practice stance with front foot heel aligned with back foot toes. Both feet turned in for stability.
Primary fighting stance allowing quick transitions and stable base.
Positions you pass through rather than hold, usually on the way into a kick.
Crane Stance
Tsoo-roo Ah-shee Dah-chee
Body supported on one leg with raised foot placed against inside of knee, like a crane.
Transitional stance between defense and attack, preparing for kicks.
Hooked Foot Stance
Kah-keh Ah-shee Dah-chee
One leg hooked behind the knee of other leg with only toes touching ground. Smooths transitions between movements.
Transitional stance to either drop back one step or prepare for kicks.
Deep or narrow bases that ask more of the legs than they give back in mobility.
Sumo Stance
Shee-koh Dah-chee
Legs spread to twice shoulder width with knees bent and feet turned outward. Derived from Sumo wrestling.
Low center of gravity for strong stability. Not ideal for kicking techniques.
Cat Stance
Neh-koh Ah-shee Dah-chee
Similar to Kokutsu Dachi but narrower. 90% weight on back leg with front leg very loose and flexible.
Defensive stance allowing extremely fast front leg kicks and movements.
Proper stances are the foundation of all Kyokushin techniques. Practice regularly to build strength, balance, and stability.
