3. Karate Stance and Posture

Stance or posture is a vital element in any sport. In baseball the proper stance and swing at the plate may mean the difference between a clean single to left or a whiffing strikeout! In boxing the proper stance may mean the difference between ducking a right hand across or getting tagged on the chin. In football the men on the line must be balanced and poised to charge when the signals are called. In Karate too the proper stance is of great importance. You are able to face a foe better when you adopt the approved Karate stance. Here are a number of stances that should be employed in specific circum­stances.

The Natural Stance

You face your opponent naturally, keep your legs and shoulders relaxed, feet together but poised for action. (See Fig. 52)

Spread Eagle Stance

Spread your legs about 18 inches apart, toes pointed outward a bit. Keep legs straight and body relaxed. You are poised now to spring into action. (See Fig. 53)

Half Moon Stance

Plant your heels firmly on the floor; point the toes straight ahead and spread your legs far apart. The knees should be bent outward slightly. The muscles of the legs and the hips should be taut. Weight should be equally distributed on both legs. (See Fig. 54)

Forward Stance

Move either the left or right leg straight ahead about 18 inches, bend the knee slightly. Move other leg back. Both feet should be planted firmly on the floor. (See Fig. 55)

Backward Stance

Bend the rear knee and direct outward; move the other leg forward. The weight is not evenly distributed in the backward stance. Two-thirds of the weight should be on the rear leg; one-third on the front leg. This is a good stance to use in kicking— gives you proper leverage. (See Fig. 56)

Black Cat Stance

In this stance you are poised like a black cat on a hot tin roof ready to spring into action. Front left knee is projected, slight weight on the ball of the foot. Heel is raised slightly from the floor. The rear right foot remains backward and flat and bears most of the weight of the body. The back should remain rigid. (See Fig. 57)

.

Are You Ready To Move Onto The Next Lesson? Click Here….