Intermediate Stances

Intermediate stances are non-standard stances that are momentarily used to prepare the body to shift into a proper stance. Although effective in maintaining stability while moving, they are not stable enough to use in techniques. Intermediate stances aid in maintaining dynamic balance while moving.

Note: When the right foot is forward in a stance, it is called a right stance and vice versa.

Pose

Poses are specific postures used in stances. For example, from a back stance you may lift your front knee into a front kick chamber pose to act as a guard against a kicking attack. Poses are dynamic, not static. They are instinctive definable movements that occur spontaneously and change as needed at the moment. Chambers used during patterns are poses when they are done with intent, and they flow seamlessly with the movements.

Focus

Keep your eyes focused on your opponent. Do not stare, but try to have strong, powerful, piercing eyes that reflect your intense power and dedication to purpose. Do not concentrate your vision straight ahead. Look at your target but be aware of any peripheral movement.

Relax

Relax the muscles and stay loose. Tension reduces endurance and the speed and effectiveness of techniques.

Slide

When stepping, release weight from the moving foot and push off the supporting leg using the inner thigh muscles to propel the body. The movement is more of a sliding step since the moving foot remains in contact with the ground. In a street defensive situation, you cannot clearly see the ground or what may be lying upon its surface, such as broken glass or gravel. If you step into a hole or onto something slippery, you may lose your balance and open yourself to an attack. By sliding a moving foot, it clears its path. You are "seeing" the ground with your feet as you move. Do not shift your weight back onto the moving foot until it is in position on a firm surface. Once the weight starts shifting, you are committed to the movement, so if the foot is not on firm ground, you may expose yourself to an attack or the possibility of falling.

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