Stances of Shotokan Karate


Back
Kokutsu-dachi

Kokutsu-dachi, or "Back stance" is one of the fighting stances of Shotokan. From here, the practioner can move forward and back, turn and throw any number of techniques.

When in the stance, the feet are perpendicular to each other and about one and a half shoulder widths apart. The heel of the forward foot points to either the heel of the midpoint of the base foot. The forward knee is bent and in line with the foot. The knee of the base leg is also bent, and pushed out to the side. The shoulders are directly over the hips and square. The trunk faces the same direction as the base foot, but head looks in the direction of the forward foot. Grip the floor with your toes.
This stance is extremely strong from the side. In fact, when pushed from the side, the practioner should not be able to be moved backward. Also, when done correctly, the practioner should be able to kick with the lead leg without having to shift his/her weight.


Front
LeftRight
Back

Back Stance Back Stance 2

Go back
  Back