Stances

The "Square" Concept

Understanding the concept of stances is crucial in martial arts, as they form the foundation for all movements and techniques. In this book, we will refer to our stances as "square" stances to help students visualize and maintain proper positioning. This concept is best understood by imagining the pattern of the number 5 on a dice, with a dot in each corner and one in the centre.

Visualize this pattern and imagine starting at the top left corner. Number the dots clockwise, with the dot in the centre as number 5. You would have 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in the centre. This visualization helps us understand the positioning of our feet in various stances.

The Horse Riding Stance (Kiba Dachi) can be represented by any combination of outside dots that are beside each other. For example, dots 1 and 2 or dots 3 and 4. This stance emphasizes a wide, stable base with feet parallel and spaced apart.

The Forward Stance (Zenkutsu Dachi), or Front Stance, is represented by dots that are diagonal from each other, such as dots 1 and 3 or dots 2 and 4. This stance focuses on a strong, forward-oriented position, with one foot forward and the other back, creating a stable and powerful base for forward movements and techniques.

By visualizing your stances within this "square" pattern, you can maintain proper alignment and positioning. Each stance fits into this pattern, ensuring consistency and clarity as you transition between different stances. This concept will be applied to all stances discussed in future chapters, providing a cohesive framework for understanding and mastering your positioning in martial arts.

Horse Riding Stance - Kiba Dachi

The Horse Riding Stance, or Kiba Dachi, in Chito-Ryu, is a fundamental posture used to develop strength, stability, and proper alignment in martial arts practice. This stance is crucial for building lower body strength, enhancing balance, and preparing the practitioner for various movements and techniques.

To perform the Horse Riding Stance, begin with your feet shoulder-width apart. From this position, step one foot distance to the right, and then to the left, ensuring your feet are wider than your shoulders. Your toes should point forward, not outward. Bend your knees so that they are in line with your toes; you should be able to see your big toe just in front of your bent knee. Keep your back straight and your torso upright, with your hips sitting directly beneath you. Avoid sticking your rear end out; instead, maintain a natural, aligned posture with your spine straight and your core engaged.

The purpose of Kiba Dachi is multifaceted. It strengthens the legs, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves, while also engaging the core muscles to maintain proper alignment. This stance improves the practitioner's stability, making it harder to be unbalanced or pushed over. Additionally, it encourages proper posture and alignment, which are essential for effective movement and technique execution in martial arts. Practicing Kiba Dachi regularly helps students build the physical foundation necessary for more advanced techniques and movements, reinforcing the importance of a strong, stable base in all aspects of martial arts training.

Moving in a Horse Stance: Shifting Your Stance

In martial arts, moving within a stance isn't about covering the ground like walking or running; it's about transitioning your stance while maintaining stability and power. This concept is particularly important when moving in the Horse Riding Stance (Kiba Dachi).

When you shift in a Horse Riding Stance, your goal is to transition from one location to another without compromising your core stability. It's crucial to maintain the correct posture throughout this transition, ensuring your legs do not straighten or "post" (stand up), but rather keep the same vertical height of your body. This allows for continuous stability and readiness to generate power.

To execute this movement correctly, start by shifting one leg inward towards the other leg. As you bring the leg in, your weight should smoothly transfer to the supporting leg without any upward motion. Once your leg is in position, shift it outward in the new direction you intend to move. This step-by-step transition keeps your centre of gravity low and your stance stable, ready for any technique or movement.

At this stage of training, students should focus on maintaining the correct posture during these transitions. Consistency in the vertical height of your body is key. This practice not only enhances your balance and stability but also prepares you for more advanced movements where maintaining a strong, stable stance is essential for effective martial arts performance.

By mastering the art of shifting within the Horse Riding Stance, you develop a deeper understanding of how to move efficiently while maintaining the integrity of your stance, ensuring that you are always prepared and stable, ready to generate power at any moment.

Forward Stance - Zenkutsu Dachi

The Forward Stance, known as Zenkutsu Dachi, sometimes referred to as the Front Stance is a fundamental posture in Chito-Ryu that emphasizes forward movement, stability, and power. This stance is essential for executing various strikes and techniques, as it provides a strong, grounded base while allowing for dynamic movement.

To perform the Forward Stance, begin by establishing the Horse Riding Stance (Kiba Dachi) with your feet shoulder-width apart. From this position, step your right leg directly backward while maintaining the same horizontal (side-to-side) distance between your feet. The 'vertical' distance between your legs should now be equal to the horizontal distance, creating a stable, elongated stance. Your front foot should point straight ahead, and your back foot should be turned slightly outward for balance. Bend your front knee so that it aligns with your toes, ensuring you can see your big toe just in front of your bent knee. Your back leg should be straight but not locked, providing a solid foundation.

The purpose of Zenkutsu Dachi is to facilitate strong, forward-oriented techniques, such as punches and thrusts. This stance enhances the practitioner's ability to generate power from the legs and hips, transferring it through the upper body and into the technique. It also improves balance and stability, making it harder for opponents to unbalance you. By practicing Zenkutsu Dachi, students develop the necessary strength and coordination in their legs and core, which are crucial for effective martial arts performance.

Turning in a Forward Stance: Linear Movement and Turning

Moving in a Forward Stance (Zenkutsu Dachi) follows a similar process to moving in a Horse Riding Stance, emphasizing stability and correct posture. The primary focus is on linear movement—up and down the floor, moving backwards and forwards. However, turning or changing direction can be more challenging. At this stage, we will concentrate on just moving the back leg when turning.

Linear Movement

When moving forward or backward in a Forward Stance, maintain the same principles of stability and posture. Ensure that your core remains engaged, your back stays straight, and your legs maintain the same vertical height throughout the movement. Shift your weight smoothly from one leg to the other, avoiding any upward motion that would compromise your stability.

Turning West

Imagine you are facing north in a left-forward stance, with your left leg forward and your right leg backward. To turn to the west:

1. Draw your right leg up to meet your left leg, shifting your weight smoothly.

2. Step out with your left leg (the leg closest to the direction you are turning), turning your hips to face west.

3. Ensure you step into a proper Forward Stance upon the completion of your turn, maintaining the same stability and posture. Think of the "square" pattern to guide your positioning.

4. You should now be in a left-forward stance with your hips facing west.

Turning East

Now, imagine you need to turn to the east from the same starting position (facing north in a left-forward stance):

1. Draw your right leg up to meet your left leg, keeping your movement smooth and controlled.

2. Step out with your right leg (the leg closest to the direction you are turning), turning your hips to face east.

3. Again, ensure you step into a proper Forward Stance upon the completion of your turn, thinking of the "square" pattern to maintain correct positioning.

4. You should now be in a right-forward stance with your hips facing east.

Attention and focus should be placed on ensuring you step into a proper Forward Stance upon the completion of your turn, again thinking of the "square" pattern. This will help you maintain the correct posture, stability, and alignment essential for effective martial arts performance. Practicing these movements regularly will help you develop the necessary control and balance required for more advanced techniques and changes in direction.

Turning 180 Degrees in a Forward Stance

Turning 180 degrees or changing to the opposite direction in a Forward Stance (Zenkutsu Dachi) follows the same principles we've already discussed. This movement requires careful attention to maintaining stability and proper posture throughout the turn.

Imagine you are facing north in a left-forward stance, with your left leg forward and your right leg backward. To execute a 180-degree turn and face south, follow these steps:

1. Draw Up the Back Leg: Begin by drawing your right leg (the back leg) up to meet your left leg, shifting your weight smoothly and maintaining your vertical height.

2. Step Out with the Correct Leg: Depending on the direction you intend to turn, step out with the leg closest to the direction of your turn. If turning to the left, you will step backwards and out with your left leg. If turning to the right, you will step backwards and out with your right leg.

3. Pivot and Shift the Hips: As you step out with the appropriate leg, pivot on the ball of your stationary foot and shift your hips to face the new direction—south in this case. Ensure that your torso follows the movement of your hips, maintaining a strong, aligned posture.

4. Establish a Proper Forward Stance: Upon completing your turn, ensure you step into a proper Forward Stance. Your front knee should align with your toes, and your back leg should be straight but not locked. Maintain the same vertical height throughout the turn, thinking of the "square" pattern to guide your positioning.

By focusing on these steps and maintaining the principles of stability and proper posture, you can effectively execute a 180-degree turn in a Forward Stance. This practice will help you develop the control and balance needed for more advanced techniques and ensure that you are always ready to generate power from a strong, stable base.