Karate: Stands Part 2

Kokutsu Dachi

This is normally a defensive position; but, of course, there are expectations. Seventy percent of the weight is on the back foot. As in most positions, the feet are shoulderwidth apart, with back foot turned outward, forming 45 degrees.

Now, let's talk about the ''shoulder width apart''  part. In many karate schools, this is not so. In these schools, one will see the front and back feet on the same line with projection of the center of gravity. Through this blog, we use a different approach.

This is due to the fact that when your feet are sliding by these invisible lines, you are slightly less fast but a lot more stable. If your feet were on the same line with the center of gravity, then to step forward, you would have to move through the position where both feet are together. What a wonderful opportunity to attack you with the trip!.