Lesson 3: First Class

This is your first training class.

Stances

The body must have something to push against so the power it generates may be transferred to the target. This means it must have a firm, stable base. This base is created by using proper stances.

• Resting Stance. When told to rest, use a standing, kneeling, or sitting resting stance, depending on the command given or the circumstances.
• Standing. Stand relaxed with arms hanging naturally. To not lean on anything, sit on anything, fold arms, or rest hands on hips. Relax, but stay alert.
• Kneeling. Kneel on knees, extend feet behind you, cross feet, sit erect atop the feet, and place palms on thighs with fingers pointed inward.
• Sitting. Sit with legs crossed with feet close to body and drape arms over legs. Do not extend legs or lean on elbows.
  • When on floor, either kneeling or sitting, be relaxed, but also alert and ready for action. For instance, if watching a sparring match and a person falls toward you, you must be ready to either instantly move out of the way, protect yourself, or catch or protect the falling person.
• Attention Stance. The attention stance is an erect formal stance used to demonstrate intense alertness and respect. It is usually quickly followed by another command. It precedes the formal bow.
  • Face forward with head and body erect, with feet side-by-side with heels and toes touching (variation is a "V Stance" with heels touching but with toes angled 45 degrees to the sides).
  • Extend arms and hands straight down the side of the body, with fingers extended downward with palms against legs (variations are with hands in tight fists with palms toward the body or facing backward). 
Bow. The bow is used as a greeting and a sign of respect.
• From attention stance, bend upper body forward approximately 30 degrees with head and eyes lowered, and then return to the upright position.
• Keep head and eyes lowered as a sign of respect; it is considered rude not to do so.
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