Different Types of Fighting Stances

One of the most important factors in developing proper fighting stances within every style of martial arts is the development of maximum balance and stability in any position. This ensures the ability to use the power of your entire body to land an effective strike. Stances also help with proper posture. They are utilized as a method to calm the mind, instill focus and develop discipline.

  1. Stances Facing the Opponent Directly

    • Stances in which you face the opponent directly usually require your weight to be evenly balanced between each leg. The stances are derived from a natural and solid "ready" stance. Your lower body should be kept isotonic. A balanced stance usually calls for a distance of shoulder width or wider between your feet. The foot positions vary between a right angle with feet pointing forward and a 45-degree angle away from the body. Your feet should remain flat on the floor. Although your weight normally rests on the heel portion of your foot, this can vary.

      The Karate Half Moon Stance, the Jeet Kune Do Fighting Stance (Bai Jong) and Judo Fighting Stance (Shizentai) are examples of this type of stance.

    Forward Stances

    • The Forward Stance calls for one leg to be placed forward. The remaining leg should be positioned toward the back. Each foot should be steadied on the ground, anywhere from half to one-and-a-half shoulder widths apart. Most forward stances require your main weight to rest on the back foot to easily mobilize the foremost leg for rapid kicks.

      The Karate Forward Stance, Cat Stance, the Taekwondo L-Stance (Niunja Sogi) and Rear Foot Stance (Dwit Bal Sogi) are examples of this type of stance.

    Side Stances

    • The side stance is a posture geared to present the fewest vulnerable areas of the body to the attacker. Stand sideways, usually with your feet aligned with the shoulders. Most weight should rest on your rear leg for stability and quick kicking. You should stay light footed for the execution of rapid maneuvers. The Taekwondo Non-Traditional Fighting Stance is an example of a side stance.

    Modifications to Stances

    • Bruce Lee, the founder of Jeet Kune Do, believed that your fighting stance should be adaptable to any combat situation.

      The stances of different fighting styles allow for variations, such as continuous foot switches, weight shifts and lowering of posture to mislead your adversary. Different combat situations call for different or changing hand and foot positions.