SHOTOKAN KARATE SKILLS: STANCES

Karateka is taught the importance of not hurting people, and being respectful of opponents and training partners. This
respect ideally extends beyond the confines of the dōjō or training area. Concern and appreciation for others and a
sense of responsibility to society are fundamental components to karate do’s ultimate goal of self-perfection.

The role of the instructor is indispensable. Students are taught important values in life through stringent training. The
instructor, although firm, must also exhibit virtuous qualities and thoughtfulness to the needs of others, being a role
model worthy of emulation. This is the “Way” of karate.

Karate skills can be divided into main categories, stances, and techniques. Stances simply refer to body position.
Techniques include such actions as punches, strikes, kicks, and blocks. While the latter are defensive movements,
they may also be used offensively. Similarly, though punches, strikes, and kicks are primarily offensive skills, they are
sometimes used defensively to strike an onrushing arm or leg in a parrying action. Besides, in response to being
attacked, a good offense frequently results in the best defense.

A. Stances

Primary importance in the successful performance of karate is learning the correct stances. All correct stances,
though, require the following:

1. Facing the proper direction,

2. Shoulders relaxed,

3. Abdomen tensed,

4. Back straight and erect.

1. Fudo-Dachi (Ready Stance) the feet are both turned outwards. The shoulders should be naturally relaxed as this is
a preparative stance for action to follow. It is generally true that the narrower the stance, the faster the leg action.

2. Zenkutsu-Dachi (Forward Stance)- one leg extends behind the body with the knee kept straight and the foot turned
outwards. Lean the upper body forward slightly, and the front leg. The distance from left to right between the two legs
should equal the width of the shoulders.

3. Kokutsu-Dachi (Back Stance) - extend one leg forward so that only the toes are touching the floor. The back leg is
bent, and the hips dropped. Two-thirds of the bodyweight is supported by the back leg. The front foot is pointed to the
front and the back foot is turned outwards. The legs are shoulder-width apart. From an aerial position, the legs should
be looked letter "L".
4. Kiba-Dachi (Horse Stance) - the legs are speared apart to twice the width of the shoulders and the feet are pointed
forward and tension is placed on the inner parts of the feet and the legs should be straight. The position is like that of
riding a horse.

As a white belt, you will be regularly practicing five basic stances (dachi).

1. Ready Stance (Heiko Dachi)

2. Short Fighting Stance (Han Zenkutsu Dachi)

3. Long Forward Stance (Zenkutsu Dachi)

4. Horse Riding Stance (Kiba Dachi)

5. Sumo Stance (Shiko Dachi)

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These stances will be your focus through to the 7 Kyu Orange Belt, where you are then introduced to more
advanced stances.