Sitting stance

Red dot indicates center of mass

The sitting stance is one of the five basic, highly used fighting stances: front, back, sitting, fixed, and cat. It offers maximum stability, not so quick movement, not so quick kicks, minimized target area to attacks (when side facing), and not so quick changes to other stances. This a solid stance that may offer resistance against a large, charging opponent. The stance is used a lot in class during blocking and punching drills, and to build leg strength.

Characteristics

• Stance Width. H2 shoulder widths.
• Stance Depth. Zero.
• Feet Positions. Both feet pointed toward side.
•  Leg Positions. Knees slightly bent.
• Shoulder Position. Perpendicular to opponent.
• Hip Position. Parallel with shoulders.
• Weight Distribution. 50% each foot.
• Center of Mass. Centered between feet.

Details

The sitting stance is one of the three basic fighting stances (sitting, front, back). In ancient times, warriors sometimes fought from horseback. The sitting stance resembles the position of a person riding a horse with his/her feet in the stirrups. It is commonly known as a "horseback stance," "straddle-leg stance," or "riding stance." The sitting stance is used in practically every form/pattern and by some practitioners as their primary fighting stance. It is usually used for punching exercises and muscle development. 

The sitting stance is very strong from the sides but very weak from the front or back. The stance provides minimum expose to frontal assault but severely limits attacks to only the lead hand and foot. The equal weight distribution permits quick forward and backward body shifts.

• When the left leg is forward, the stance a left sitting stance. When the right leg is forward, it is a right sitting stance.
• Stand with feet parallel, one shoulder width apart. Step left foot forward two shoulder widths deep into a sitting stance with feet parallel and pointing toward the right. Keep body erect.
• The shoulders and hips face toward the right. Keep hips parallel with the shoulders.
• Bend the both knees and "sit" the weight down between the feet. Grip the floor with the toes and the outer edges of the feet. Push outward on the knees (outer tension).
• The center of mass is centered between the feet.
  

Tips

• Pretend you are riding a horse with your feet in the stirrups.
• When performing successive sitting stances, keep the feet parallel.
• To move forward in successive sitting stances, the lead foot pivots 180 degrees counterclockwise as the rear foot swings around into a sitting stance. Once the feet are in position, "sit" into the stance.