Karate: Stands Part 1

After memorizing the different terminologies for the body parts, you are now ready to learn some karate stands. By stands, we refer to the legs and how they should be at various times. Here they are.

Zenkutsu Dachi

To get into this position, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and parallel. Turn the back foot 45 degrees outwards. This is an important position, as it provides a way for you to move deep forward with an attacks or a block. While in this position, apply a few ''checks'' on yourself.

Put the knee of the back foot down on the floor. It should be shoulder-width to the side and two fists behind the hell of the front foot. When in zenkutsu dachi, the projection of your front knee on the ground should never go farther than the middle of your front foot. Otherwise, you have no strength in the forward direction. This means your opponent can pull you forward and you will surely fall. Also, it will take more time for you to move back if your opponent launches an attack.

The knee joint of the back foot must be straight or almost straight, the muscles tense. It should be (ideally) possible for you to stay on your opponent (or someone from behind) pushes your knee joint down.

Seventy percent of your body weight should rest on your front foot, while 30% on your back foot.