The Four Basic Karate Stances
The Four Basic Karate Stances
Just as a baby needs to learn to stand before he walks and needs to learn to walk before he runs, in order to succeed in karate you will have to take baby steps as well. One of the first baby steps you will need to take to learn karate are the proper karate stances.
It is important when learning and practicing karate that the proper foundation is laid for karate stances. Only by practicing and perfecting these karate stances will one be able to move forward in the marital art of karate.
The Ready Stance
In most karate classes the students will line up, feet together as the instructor stands before them. The students will then exchange a bow to the instructor or sensei and to the nation's flag. The sensei will then call out ready stance. For this karate stance you will move your right foot until you are standing feet shoulder width apart. Your knees should be bent slightly and hands held out in front. Your hand should be closed and held about 6" from the body. Your shoulders should be squared, eyes straight ahead and ready to go.
The Forward Stance
This karate stance moves from the ready stance. When you are going to make this karate stance you have two choices; a left or right forward stance. If choosing the left forward karate stance you will move the left leg forward two shoulder widths distance, keeping the right leg straight, toes pointed forward. Left knee will be directly over the heel with your back straight and shoulders square. Bring the left arm in front of you with fist closed placed just below your eyes and parallel to your shoulder. Hold your right arm horizontal to your body with the right fist touching the left elbow.
The Horse Stance
This karate stance is said to be an easy stance to learn. The reason that it is called the horse stance is because that when this stance is done correctly, you will actually look like you are sitting on top of a horse. To begin, be sure that your shoulders are square with both hips and feet and drop both hands to your waist. You will need to hang your butt out and bend your knees, and the deeper you can go in this karate stance the better.
The Fighting Stance
This will be the final karate stance you will learn. There are many forms of martial arts that will not teach the student this karate stance until they have acquired their first colored belt as all students begin at the white belt level. Once you have mastered the first three karate stances, you will be taught this final stance and be ready to move on to learning more complicated and advanced techniques.