Crane Stance

Red dot indicates center of mass

Characteristics

• Stance Width. Zero.
• Stance Depth. Zero.
• Front Foot Position. Foot pointed straight ahead.
• Back Foot Position. Foot pointed toward outside.
• Front Leg Position. Raised, knee bent, shin vertical.
• Back Leg Position. Knee slightly bent.
• Shoulder Position. Perpendicular to opponent.
• Hip Position. Parallel with shoulders.
• Weight Distribution. 0% front foot; 100% back foot.
• Center of Mass. Centered over back foot.

Details

The crane stance, also known as a "one-leg stance," was made popular in the 1984 movie Karate Kid.  It is used as a preparatory stance for kicking attacks or as a leg block. 

• When the left leg is forward, the stance a left crane stance. When the right leg is forward, it is a right crane stance.
• Stand with feet parallel, 1 shoulder width apart. Pivot right foot 90 degrees clockwise so it points toward the right. As you pivot, shift all weight to the right foot and raise left foot in front of right knee. Pull toes of left foot toward its knee and point the ball of the foot toward the floor.
• Right leg is slightly bent.
• The body faces the opponent. Keep hips parallel with the shoulders and perpendicular to the opponent.
• Left foot is toward the opponent.
• The center of mass is centered over the right foot. You are standing on the only the right leg.
  

Tips

• This is not a very stable stance, but it is more stable than it seems. By shifting the center of mass around the rear foot, balance may be easily maintained. 
• Do not let the center of mass move outside the base of the foot or balance will be lost.