This is part two on stances. In part one we adjusted the front stance to fit individual body sizes. If you missed it, read Stances Part 1: The Front Stance

In this post, I’ll be discussing the back stance, kokutsu dachi. 

Many resources show the position of the feet in back stance resting along a single line. I have researched the body mechanics of this foot position and found that perhaps the “straight line” method is not as efficient.
Keeping the back stance the same width and depth as the front stance appears to lead to a more powerful, balanced and stable stance.

My reasoning behind this is that all traditional kata (forms) should begin and end in the same spot.  In reviewing many online kata videos that contain kokutsu dachi, the majority of them show the practioner not returning to the same spot. Many of these kata are as much as three to six feet off of the original starting position!

If the stances have the appropriate width and depth and the foot pattern is correct, the kata will come back to the exact same spot. We are dealing with inches, not feet to make this happen.

Stepping into Back Stance

I’ve found the simplest way to teach back stance is to first step into a good front stance, zenkutsu dachi. (See part 1 on stances.) Then, to move into back stance by simply follow this transition:

1. Rotate your back foot on the ball of your foot so your toes point 90 degrees outward.
2. Rock you weight back so the weight distribution is approximately 80% on the back leg and 20% on the front leg.
3. Your back leg should be bent enough so you cannot see your toes when you glance down.
4. Your front knee should be slightly bent and not locked straight. 
5. Foot position should maintain the line of shoulder-width apart.

You should feel the same stability with the back stance as you have with the front stance.

Benefits of a Hip-width Back Stance

Switching between front stance and back stance in this way only requires a quick pivot of the back foot and a shift in the weight distribution. This leaves less room for error in kata as well as creating better balance in the back stance.

In contrast, the straight-line back stance requires the movement of the front leg, a shift of the back leg and a change in the weight distribution. With the body shifting onto a straight line it creates less balance and strength in the stance. Test it for yourself and see what you think.

Stepping Processes in Stances

Both the front and back stance maintain the hips at the same level. As you move from one stance to another, or change stances, the foot movement uses a crescent step.

The back leg flows into an arch to the front leg and steps back out into the front position. To maintain your hip position, the legs should remain bent throughout the step. Your hips, shoulder and eyes maintain a horizontal plane throughout the stepping process.

Straightening the legs produces a bobbing up and down like a cork on wavy water. Because of the bobbing, there is a disruption of the hip function. This causes a constant readjustment of the eyes and changes the height of blocks and strikes.

If you keep the legs bent, you will develop a smooth transition between all stances. This creates a flowing technique so the upper body acts on the same plain not encumbered by a change in height.

—————————————

Network Rules: If you are reading this, you are a traditional martial artist and are the foundation of our Martial Way Network. We welcome your comments as we share thoughts, ideas and research on the traditional martial arts. We encourage open discussion that comes from a place of positivity. We believe the martial way is knowledge as a way to improve ones life and the life of others. To quote the great master Gichin Funakoshi, “Do not criticize any other martial arts or speak ill of others, as it will surely come back to you. The mountain does not laugh at the river because it is lowly, nor does the river speak ill of the mountain because it can not move. Each has its own emphasis and characteristics.”