Fighting Stance

One of the most important characteristics of a good fighter is his or her fighting stance. Surprisingly, this is one area of training that is often overlooked or ignored. Students practice kicks and punches with little regard to the fighting stance they are using. A proper fighting stance may make the difference between winning and losing so it should be given proper attention. 

Fighting stances are a personal choice, there is really no right or wrong stance to use when sparring. One must experiment to find the fighting stance that best fits his or her fighting style. 

A front stance presents a large frontal area to your opponent but permits attacks with either arm or leg. A back stance presents a small frontal area to your opponent and permits quick leading hand or foot attacks but it limits rear leg attacks. A sitting stance lacks power and limits trailing hand or leg techniques. A low stance has great power and stability but lacks mobility and speed. A high stance gives greater arm reach but weakens kicks. A flat-footed stance helps to generate power but impedes mobility and increases the amount of telegraphing of an attack. A stance that is light always moving permits quick techniques but techniques lack the power of a flat-footed stance. A modified boxer’s stance, similar to the Okinawan sanchin stance, permits one to use hands, feet, knees, and elbows with ease but it presents a large frontal area to the opponent.

Ultimately, the choice of a fighting stance up to you. Do not use a fighting stance just because another good fighter uses it. Objectively test different stances and choose the one, or ones, that work best for your attacking and blocking style.