The Complete List Of Basic Karate Stances

In Karate, there are many different stances, each serves a different purpose in terms of movement, defense and offence. It is crucial for Karate students to learn proper stances early in their practice as stances are really the foundation of an effective Karate, both in terms of self-defense and biomechanics. Please note that there are slight differences from style to style in terms of stances.

In this article, I will cover the following:

  1. Seiza
  2. Musubi-dachi
  3. Heisoku-dachi
  4. Heiko-dachi
  5. Hachiji-dachi
  6. Kiba-dachi/Naihanchi-dachi
  7. Shiko-dachi
  8. Sanchin-dachi
  9. Zenkutsu-dachi
  10. Han Zenkutsu-dachi
  11. Fudo-dachi
  12. Kokutsu-dachi
  13. Neko-ashi-dachi
  14. Tsuru-ashi-dachi
  15. Kosa-dachi

Here is the complete list of basic karate stances.

Seiza

The Complete List Of Basic Karate Stances
Kanji: 正座
English: Kneeling stance (litt. proper sitting)
Description: Seiza is the traditional, the formal and polite Japanese way of sitting on the floor, kneeling. It's a fundamental posture is both Karate and in the Japanese culture. This stance is used to perform the formal 'floor bow' called zarei.

Instructions:
  • Place your knees on the floor and rest your buttock on the top of your feet,
  • Your feet are flat on the floor,
  • Keep your back and neck straight,
  • Be fully present mentally,
  • Breathe naturally but calmly.

Musubi-dachi

The Complete List Of Basic Karate Stances
Kanji: 結び立
English: Standing stance
Description: Musubi-dachi is the formal way of standing in Japanese martial arts and in Japan. This stance is very important and is used to perform the formal respectful bow called rei. Musubi-dachi and rei should be performed before and after warmups, kihon, kata, kumite or any interaction between people.

Instructions:
  • Put your heels together, open your toes at about 45 degrees,
  • Put your arms alongside your body,
  • Keep your back and neck straight,
  • Tilt the pelvis upward,
  • Be fully present mentally,
  • Breathe naturally but calmly.

Heisoku-dachi

The Complete List Of Basic Karate Stances
Kanji: 閉足立
English: Closed leg stance
Description: Heisoku-dachi is the ready stance used in some kata. It is similar to musubi-dachi, but the feet are kept together.

Instructions:
  • Put your feet together at the heels and toes,
  • Put your arms alongside your body,
  • Keep your back and neck straight,
  • Tilt the pelvis upward,
  • Be fully present mentally,
  • Breathe naturally but calmly.