About Stances

Purpose of stance

• Permits maximum use of an external force (floor in the case) to increase the internal force (our own body musculature) into a technique. A good stance, coordinated with proper breathing and correct posture helps transfer forces from the feet into the technique.
• Absorbs any recoil forces from the instant of contact of a technique.
• Enables smooth shifting and change of direction.

When discussing stances, balance, power, and mobility must be considered. Maximum power and mobility are obtained when the center of balance (a point in the center of the body behind the belt knot) is as low as practically possible. If the center of balance is too high, the body is unstable and leg movement is limited, so power and mobility are reduced. If the center of balance is too low, it is difficult to use the inner thigh muscles for leg movement which limits both power and mobility.

Beginning students first learn stationary stances. As they progress in training, they learn that stances are merely transitory positions that are changing dynamically as circumstances demand.