Karate stances
Stances are the balanced positions karateka use while practising movement and technique. These beginner references introduce ten common examples; they are a starting point for learning with an instructor, not a grading checklist.
Hachiji-dachi
Natural / ready stance
A comfortable, balanced standing position used to prepare for movement or begin basic practice.
This entry follows the JKA manual’s Hachiji-dachi example; other organisations may use a different ready position.
How to set up
- Stand tall and let your arms rest naturally by your sides.
- Place your feet comfortably apart, with the toes turned only as your instructor teaches.
- Soften your knees and settle your weight evenly so you can move in any direction.
Safety cue: Use the foot direction taught at your dojo and keep your balance comfortable and steady.
Source: Japan Karate Association (JKA) instructor technical manual
Zenkutsu-dachi
Front stance
A forward-facing stance with one foot in front of the other, used in basic movement and technique practice.
This entry follows the JKA teaching example; other styles may adjust the stance and its movement.
How to set up
- Begin from a comfortable ready position and choose which foot will move forward.
- Step that foot forward while keeping your feet on separate, stable tracks.
- Settle into a balanced position with the front knee comfortably bent and your torso upright.
Safety cue: The JKA manual asks that the bent knee follow the direction of the toes; use the depth your instructor teaches.
Source: Japan Karate Association (JKA) instructor technical manual
Kokutsu-dachi
Back stance
A stance with the feet offset and the body arranged to face partly to the side, as taught in the practitioner’s style.
This entry follows the JKA form; the exact shape and weight distribution are syllabus-specific.
How to set up
- Start from a balanced ready position and turn your body as your instructor demonstrates.
- Move one foot back to create a stable, offset base rather than placing your feet on one narrow line.
- Settle with both knees soft, your posture upright, and your balance centred over your base.
Safety cue: Keep the bent knee aligned with the direction of the toes, and ask your instructor to check your form.
Source: Japan Karate Association (JKA) instructor technical manual
Kiba-dachi
Horse stance
A broad, straddled stance called Kiba-dachi in the JKA manual; exact foot position and depth depend on the syllabus.
This entry follows the JKA manual’s Kiba-dachi example; foot direction and depth vary by style.
How to set up
- Begin upright and step your feet apart into a comfortable wide base.
- Turn your feet in the direction shown by your instructor and keep them grounded.
- Bend your knees a little while keeping your torso upright and your weight balanced.
Safety cue: The JKA manual asks that bent knees follow the direction of the toes; use the depth your instructor teaches.
Source: Japan Karate Association (JKA) instructor technical manual
Shiko-dachi
Straddle stance
A broad stance with the feet turned outward, used in some karate styles and training syllabuses.
The JKA manual lists Shiko-dachi as an outward-facing straddling stance; its exact form and depth are style-specific.
How to set up
- Stand upright and step your feet apart into a broad but comfortable base.
- Turn your toes outward only as far as your instructor has shown you.
- Bend your knees gently in the same general direction as your toes and keep your chest lifted.
Safety cue: Follow your instructor’s version and keep the knees moving in the direction of the toes.
Source: Japan Karate Association (JKA) instructor technical manual
Musubi-dachi
Heels-together stance
A formal standing position with the heels together and the toes angled outward, often used when beginning or ending practice.
Musubi-dachi is commonly used for formal attention; details and usage vary between organisations.
How to set up
- Stand upright with your arms relaxed and your gaze forward.
- Bring your heels together while keeping the toes turned outward as your instructor teaches.
- Keep the knees softly extended, posture tall, and weight balanced over both feet.
Safety cue: Do not force the toe angle or lock the knees; use the version and comfort range taught at your dojo.
Source: Japan Karate Association (JKA) instructor technical manual
Heiko-dachi
Parallel stance
A neutral stance with the feet set apart and parallel, giving a stable base for basic techniques.
Heiko-dachi is a parallel-foot position used in some karate syllabuses; terminology differs by style.
How to set up
- Begin standing comfortably with your shoulders relaxed and your feet together.
- Step one foot sideways so both feet are set apart on parallel tracks.
- Soften both knees, keep the toes pointing forward as taught, and centre your weight.
Safety cue: Keep the knees tracking with the toes and choose a width that lets you stay relaxed and balanced.
Source: Japan Karate Association (JKA) instructor technical manual
Neko-ashi-dachi
Cat stance
A compact stance that keeps one foot light and ready while the other supports the body.
Neko-ashi-dachi is a style-specific light-footed stance; the exact weight distribution is taught through the syllabus.
How to set up
- Start in a comfortable ready position and turn your body as your instructor demonstrates.
- Place one foot slightly forward with only the ball of that foot making light contact.
- Keep most of your weight over the supporting leg, with both knees soft and posture upright.
Safety cue: Avoid collapsing the supporting knee or twisting the ankle; practise the balance gradually with instructor feedback.
Source: Japan Karate Association (JKA) instructor technical manual
Sanchin-dachi
Hourglass stance
A compact inward-facing stance used in several karate traditions to practise posture, connection, and controlled movement.
Sanchin-dachi is interpreted differently across karate traditions; follow the posture and breathing guidance of your style.
How to set up
- Stand tall and place your feet on stable tracks rather than a single narrow line.
- Turn the feet inward only to the degree shown by your instructor and soften the knees.
- Keep the pelvis and torso upright while breathing naturally and maintaining even balance.
Safety cue: Do not exaggerate inward rotation or hold your breath; a qualified instructor should check your alignment.
Source: Japan Karate Association (JKA) instructor technical manual
Fudō-dachi
Rooted stance
A firm, grounded stance that combines a stable base with enough softness to move without tension.
Fudō-dachi is associated with a strong, rooted posture, but its shape and naming vary between karate styles.
How to set up
- Begin from a relaxed standing position and choose a comfortable diagonal or forward orientation.
- Set your feet on separate tracks with the knees gently bent and the soles grounded.
- Lift through the crown of the head, keep the torso calm, and distribute weight without stiffness.
Safety cue: Root through relaxed legs rather than forcing depth; stop if the knees, hips, or ankles feel painful.
Source: Japan Karate Association (JKA) instructor technical manual
