Karate Stances

These are the stances you will find in traditional karate, required in all katas and part of the foundation of the system.

• Heiko dachi (parallel open stance)
• Heisoku Dachi – Closed feet stance
• Kake ashi dachi (hooked stance)
• Kamae Dachi – Fighting Stance
• Kiba Dachi – Horse stance
• Kokutso Dachi – Backward Leaning Stance
• Moro Ashi Dachi (two foot stance)
• Musubi Dachi – Open Feet Stance
• Neko Ashi Dachi – Cat Stance
• Shiko Dachi – Sumo Stance
• Shizen dachi (natural stance)
• Sanchin Dachi – Hourglass Stance
• Tsuruashi dachi (crane stance)
• Uchihachiji dachi (pigeon toe stance/inside eight character stance)
• Yoi dachi (ready stance)
• Zenkutsu Dachi – Forward Leaning Stance
• Iai Goshi Dachi
• Fudō Dachi
• Sōkutsu Dachi
• Naihanchi Dachi
• Hangetsu Dachi
• Moto Dachi
• Kosa Dachi
• Han Zenkutsu Dachi
• Han-Kokutsu Dachi
• Sagi Ashi Dachi
• Renoji Dachi
• Teiji Dachi
• Musubi Dachi-heiko
• Hachiji Dachi
• Uchi hachiji Dachi
• Heikō Dachi
• Seiza Dachi

These stances are part of the foundation of Karate, you might have strong punches and powerful kicks but if you do not have a good stance a good sweep and you’re down. Stances are important for your Katas.

Karate Requirements

• Karate Stances
• Karate Punches
• Karate Kicks
• Karate Blocks
• Karate Strikes
• Karate Traditional Katas
• Karate Traditional Weapons
• Karate General Terminology

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