Taekwondo Stances
A guide to the basic stances used in taekwondo.
Traditional taekwondo stances make up an important part of the martial art and are included in all patterns as well as step sparring or self-defence manoeuvres. The purpose of each stance is to provide a stable foundation for defensive blocks and fast, powerful attacks. Another benefit of incorporating the stances into taekwondo training is the leg strength, flexibility, co-ordination and balance that practising the stances builds. The result of such improvements will greatly enhance a student’s taekwondo, especially their ability to kick with speed and power.
If you want to learn more on forms please visit our article on taekwondo poomsae.
Tips to improve taekwondo stances.
Relax.
As with all taekwondo training, the ability to relax as you move with speed and power is essential for taekwondo stances. With this in mind, it is good practice to consciously relax your muscles while in a stance and the more you do this, the easier it becomes.
Be your own coach.
One of the best ways to improve your taekwondo stances is to be your own visual coach. When you watch students in class you will see many of them looking around aimlessly when learning stances. However, the students who really master stances are the ones who constantly check that their feet position and body alignment is correct.
Control your breath.
As you move from one stance to another control your breathing. To do this, breath out as you move into the stance, breath in as you pause and then out again as you move to the next stance.
When to use stances.
Traditional stances are used in all taekwondo forms, in step sparring and self defence moves. However, their practicality in modern fighting is limited and therefore they are not used in sport taekwondo and only very rarely in street fighting.
The strengths and weaknesses of traditional stances.
Although rarely used in modern day fighting, traditional taekwondo stances do have some strengths over modern footwork. These include, increased stability and increased power. However, these benefits are negated by their major floor which is that they are simply too slow to be effective.
Taekwondo stances.
The following are the most common taekwondo stances used in World Taekwondo Poomsae.
Attention Stance – Charyot Sogi.
The attention stance is in essence exactly what is says it is, a stance students use to show they are paying attention and showing respect as they wait for the instructor to give the next command.
To execute the attention stance, bring both feet together by sliding your left foot towards your right one. Place your hands at your sides with your thumbs tucked in. Finally, stand firm with a straight back and look directly ahead.
Ready Stance – Joon Bi Seogi.
The ready stance is used after attention stance to show that you are ready to perform the next command given by your instructor.
To execute the ready stance, slide your left leg out so that your feet are shoulder width apart. Using a count of five, lift your hands up towards your shoulders, palms towards your face. Close your fists and slowly lower them until they are just below your belt. Your fists should be six inches apart and roughly six inches from your stomach.
Walking Stance – Ap Seogi.
The walking stance is exactly what it sounds like, a stance that replicates a natural walking motion.
To execute the walking stance from the ready stance position. Keep your feet shoulder width apart and step forward with your left leg leaving the distance of one foot between both feet. Once in the stance, your front foot should be pointing directly ahead and your back foot is at a 90-degree angle. The weight distribution for this taekwondo stance should have ratio of 50/50 for each leg.
Back Stance – Dwi Kubi Seogi.
The back stance is a very effective defensive manoeuvre that enables you to move backwards to avoid an attack yet still be close enough to launch your own counter strike. The weight distribution of 70 % on the back leg and 30 % on the front leg also enables you to strike with the front without the need to redistribute your weight first.
To execute a left leg, back stance. First, slide your left leg 2 to 3 foot lengths directly out in front of you. At the same time, turn your back foot out 90 degrees so that both heels are in a straight line. Once your legs are in the correct position your front leg should be slightly bent with 30% of your weight on it. The back leg should also be bent with the knee in direct alignment with the toes and 70% of your weight on that leg. Finally, Your body position should be such that the rear shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle line up.
Horse Riding Stance – Joom Choom Seogi.
The horse-riding stance considerably narrows the target that you present to your opponent. At the same time, the low centre of gravity of this deep stance enables you to cover a long distance when launching a counter strike. However, it is worth remembering that while this taekwondo stance is very effective at dealing with an attacker directly in front of you, you are completely off balance if attacked from the sides.
To execute a horse-riding stance from the ready position. First slide your left leg out to the side roughly two shoulder widths apart. Next, ensure that your upper body is straight, and bend both knees until they are in direct alignment with your toes. Once in the stance you should end up with the toes of both feet facing forward, and the heels of both feet on the same line. Learn more about taekwondo stances at wikipedia.
Front Stance – Ap Kubi Seogi.
The front stance is primarily used for offensive moves and is capable of generating great power for counter strikes. This taekwondo stance is often used in conjunction with back stance in scenarios were a defensive block is used in back stance to defend against an attack and then a counter strike with front stance is used to disable the attacker.
To execute a left leg front stance from the ready position, First, slide your left leg, four-foot lengths out in front of you and have your feet shoulder width apart. The back leg should be straight and the back foot turned out 30 degrees. The front leg should be bent enough so that the front knee passes the end of the toes. The upper body should remain upright and the hips square.
Tiger – Beom Seogi.
The tiger stance involves taking only a small step to execute which means it is a very fast stance to use. Another benefit of the tiger stance is that it can be used just as effectively to advance or retreat. This taekwondo stance also distributes most of the weight on the back leg which means the front foot can be used to strike instantly.
To execute a left leg tiger stance from the ready position, take one small step forward with the left leg, ensuring that the heels of both feet line up. The foot of the back leg should be turned out 30 degrees while the front foot remains forward facing. From there, bend both knees keeping 90% of your weight on your back leg. For the front foot, the heel lifted off the ground and only the ball of the foot should be in contact with the floor. As with all stances the torso should remain upright. You can find out more about taekwondo stances at taekwondonation.
Fighting Stance – Gyoroogi Seogi.
All martial arts incorporate unique fighting stances designed to enhance the strengths of that particular art. Taekwondo is no different and the fighting stance used in the sport section of the art is a direct result of sport taekwondo’s emphasis on kicks. While this works perfectly in the rules of the sport, it should be remembered that the stance has its limitations were such rules do not apply.
To execute a left leg fighting stance from the ready Position. First, step back with your right leg into a side stance with your legs approximately shoulder width apart. Your front foot should be forward facing while the back one should be turned out 90 degrees. Finally, have both knees bent, your weight on the balls of your feet, and your torso in line with your lead leg. Your lead arm protects your left side while your right hand protects your chin.
Crane Stance – Hakdari Seogi.
The crane stance, made famous from the film the karate kid, is really only used in taekwondo patterns or demonstrations. To execute a left leg crane stance from the ready position. First bring both feet together, next lift your right leg up so that the blade of the foot is just below the left knee. Both feet should be forward facing and both knees should be bent. The right arm hangs down by your side and your left arm is bent with your forearm just above your head.
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