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Front Twist Stance in Kenpo Karate

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Front Twist Stance in Kenpo Karate
Front Twist Stance in Kenpo Karate
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Front Twist Stance in Kenpo Karate

The Front Twist stance is a fundamental requirement in the purple belt rank of Kenpo Karate and plays a critical role in various self-defense techniques, sets, and forms.

This stance is particularly useful when maneuvering around an opponent. It provides an optimal position for controlling your opponent’s height or width, which is essential for executing effective techniques.

In the Front Twist stance, your rear foot is positioned on the ball of the foot, while your front foot is angled sideways. This setup enables swift movement, allowing you to adjust your positioning quickly. Both hands are held in a ready position, prepared to respond to your opponent’s actions.

Additionally, this stance brings you closer to your opponent, setting up an ideal position for a front kick with your rear leg, adding another layer of versatility to your movements.

Front Twist Stance in Kenpo Karate
Front Twist Stance in Kenpo Karate

 

All stances are snapshots in time with the primary purpose being mobility. The “crossover stances” are unique in that they all share a unique relationship predicated on the direction of travel, and intent, so mechanically they are sometimes functionally executed in distinctly specific ways relative to the central balance mechanism pelvic ring.
That said, they all share a similar foot pattern if not foot movement. The example indicates a “front crossover.” All footwork movements are exaggerations of basic human locomotion, in this case simply “walking” forward. Moving from a neutral bow and stepping in front of the forward foot, relative to “walking” requires, (if movement is anatomically correct and efficient), and begins with your rear foot at a 45-degree angle for the purpose of “pushing off”, (as opposed to many who “pull-step” their leg rather than “push-step through.” Also, there is confusion as to whether your foot is “forward” or “in front.” While the rear foot passes the forward leg for placement, it maintains the same heel/toe relationship as the neutral bow, therefore it does not “cross in front” but merely moves “beyond” the forward foot maintaining the same alignment relative to the other foot.
Even if you would intend to stop on the crossover creating a twist stance, why would you sacrifice the mobility and anatomical correctness of the foot posture already established to get you there? The 90-degree angle of the foot is unstable, and unsupported anatomically for continuous movement, ie “step out” or for the stationary stance placing the pelvic ring hips out of alignment, and when stepping out placing the forward foot now to the rear, no longer at the 45-degree angle required of the stance for mobility and/or stability.
When you walk normally your rear foot points relatively straight forward, and plants in preparation for the next step. Experiment: Walk normally, but when you “step” forward place your foot on the ground at a 90-degree angle. You’ll find not only are your hips misaligned, but your foot is no longer in position to take the next step for mobile continuity. This deficiency is exaggerated even more if you are “kicking” instead of “walking” and both methods utilize the same foot placement. Simply, start with the 45, step with the 45, and plant with the 45. Simple. Remember, a neutral bow is a Horse Stance from a different perspective and all stances are variations thereof. And, the basis for all kicks is rooted in basic footwork.
All martial footwork are variations and extrapolations of human bipedal locomotion and therefore have strict anatomical mandates or correctness that carry over to martial applications and extrapolations, sir. And, your hips and knees will thank you later, sir.
To complete the movement, start from the beginning in your neutral bow in basics; lift your forward foot and rotate it on its axis, and replant it on the ground pointed straight ahead using your big toe as a point of reference for what is “straight.” Push off with your rear foot and, depending upon intent, “step through” below the knee or “up” above the knee being careful NOT to rotate hips or shoulders. Plant downward dropping and transferring all of your body weight as you would if “walking,” planting your foot at that 45-degree angle. You will then be stable, aligned, and prepared for the finishing “step out” once again placing the stepping foot forward and firmly on the ground transferring all of your weight.
I literally spent decades with Ark Wong and Ed Parker studying the science of human anatomical movement in a martial context, or simply put, “basics.” Unfortunately, because of urgent necessity, the modern system based on “motion” is a shortcut method designed for commercial success and is rife with compromises and only contains “motion basics,” not anatomical basics. At the end of the day, all human movement is governed by the laws of biomechanics. Whether it is to “hit the hardest,” lift the most,” “run the fastest, or “jump the highest” the mechanics have a level of consistency from activity to activity.
Mr. Parker stopped teaching “mechanical basics” when he created the “motion-based system.” The “Motion System” can take you to a level of efficiency bounded by the effective limitations of the methodology. Mr. Parker knew that and was aware of its functional ceiling. Historically, “Kenpo based on motion” was a de-evolution of what he was teaching previously, evolving into the business. Those desirous of high levels of understanding must educate themselves beyond the commercial system he left for the masses. What he left, depending upon practitioner and instructor interpretations is not bad, but as Mr. Parker always told me, “No matter how good you think you are, you can always be better. It is all a matter of desire.
Continuous education is the key because no matter what your rank or where you are, if you stop educating yourself it won’t be long before what you “know” will be “old.” His favorite example was the “high jump.” For many, many decades at all levels, it was taught a particular way. Then a guy came along named Fosbury who changed that aspect of track and field, forever. Interactive martial body mechanics, or “Hoplology” requires an educational level and commitment many have no interest in pursuing. He knew that most people would be satisfied with belts and trophies eschewing the academics that would take them to greater heights of proficiency and longevity. As an academic, Mr. Parker knew people would always seek and settle at their level of comfortability and he wanted to reach everyone.
by Ron Chapél

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Front Twist Stance Step-by-Step

  • Start on a Neutral Stance
  • Move your rear foot forward
  • Place your rear foot in front of your other foot
  • Now bend your knees to allow your front foot aims to the side while your rear foot sits on the ball of the foot

Recommendations

  • Always keep your hands in guard position as you move in on a Front Twist Stance
  • Do not go too low on this stance because it will not allow you to move freely and fast
  • Always keep your back straight and do not lean on your stance.

Kenpo Karate Techniques

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Written by
peterasoto

Black Belt, High School Teacher, Sports Enthusiast & Coffee Lover.

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