Martial Art Stances

Martial art stances are designed to give to the best compromise possible between stability and speed.

The most important thing is not to lose your balance. Because, if you do, you will fall or be taken to the ground. And that's not a great place to be.

So martial art stances have to keep you from being knocked over easily. And if you're into a kicking style, you'll probably keep most weight on the back leg - this keeps your front leg free for kicking or blocking.

Some martial art stances are very stable - like the 'Riding Horse Stance', with legs wide apart and knees well bent. But it's so stable it is hard to move from...

Our martial art stances for Aikido tent to be with the feet shoulder-width apart, which is a good compromise between stability and speed.

What's more we usually move like a fencer... For example, the right leg stays forward all the time as we shuffle back or forward pushing with the rear leg - which is exacly how a fencer moves.

What martial art stances work for you will depend on your style of fighting, and your body type.