|
Attention--used
for receiving instructions and to begin formal exercises. |
|
Square
Horse--used to isolate the upper body to practice blocks, parries,
hand strikes, and other upper body movements. |
|
Rear
Horse--used when fighting to minimize target areas by closing off
the center line and also to set up certain kicks. |
|
Neutral
Bow--The neutral bow is a 50/50 weight-balanced stance, and is the
primary stance used in katas, techniques, and basics. It is one of the two most
important stances to learn the dynamics of movement. |
 
|
Forward
Bow--This is the other most important stance to learn proper
movement. It can be used to extend reach of back hand, give greater power by
shifting weight to front leg, brace against an attack, and also as a transition
stance between neutral bows. |
 
|
Reverse
Bow--used to create distance by pivoting away, increase the power
of certain movements by rotating into the stance, and help buckle or sweep an opponent. |
 
|
Cat--used
as a transition stance, such as for a front kick off the front leg, or to
minimize the opponent's ability to sweep or attack the front leg. Used to
create distance. |
|
Rear Cat--this
is the back side of a cat stance and has the same benefits, but from the rear. |
|
Twist--used
to implement the power principle of torque without using distance. Generates
energy at close range. |
 
|
Back--Japanese-style
stance, puts more weight on the back foot to allow for quicker kicks off of the
front foot or to increase power on a reverse punch; also to create extra
distance from the opponent |
|
Crane--moves
the leg out of harm's way and closes off the center line for defense. |
|
Wide
Kneel--dropping height gives power through "gravitational
marriage". Transitions from and to a neutral bow. |
|
Close
Kneel--same benefits and purpose as a wide kneel; transition from
and to a forward bow. |
