Isshinryu Stances
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The stances of Isshinryu are similar to the stances of other styles of karate but there are a few exceptions. There is no stance in Isshinryu that has a locked leg. The knees are always slightly bent, and whenever possible the knees are flexed inward to protect the groin. The heels are kept flat on ground, except in Cat and Hook stance. The upper body is always erect. The head is held in a position so you can easily see your opponent Remember there is no stance that fits all situations. You must be able to change from stance to stance in a swift and smooth manner. Use the proper stance that fits a given situation. Consider all the stance's as a triangle. Two of the points or the base the triangle are your feet. The third point of the triangle is the center of gravity of your body. Your hips are the center of gravity. The area below your belt. Within reason as you lower your center of gravity the stance becomes stronger. The closer your feet are together, the smaller the base the triangle and the weaker the stance. Your stance is the weakest when you’re standing on one foot. As much as possible keep your center of gravity in the center the same distance from each foot.
As in most stances the upper body is erect with shoulders level. Both knees are flexed inward, the lower abdomen is tensed in the toes of both feet are straightforward. The toes of the rear foot touch an imaginary line that would touch the heel of the front foot. The center of gravity is in the exact center of the line separating the feet. When executing a technique in Seisan stance tense the ankles and press the knees inward. Tense the muscles of the inner part of the thighs and tense the buttocks. Do not lean too far forward allowing the heels to leave the ground. Do not straighten the knees. Do not bob and weave.
Seiuchin Dachi From this stance you can also launch good attacks, side thrust kicks, round house kicks, and spinning back kicks. Upper body must be erect, weight evenly distributed on both feet. The weight should be concentrated slightly more on the inner edge of the feet (the big toe edge) rather than the outside. When you look down you should not be able to see your toes; if you can, your legs are too straight. The toes are out at a 45 degree angle.
It is primarily a defensive position. The feet are close enough together that if needed one can squeeze out a groin kick. Nahanchie is a well balanced stance. With that one can lift the feet to avoid sweeps or kicks to the lower legs. The feet are fairly close together making it easy to move off swiftly to the side to change rapidly into other stances. Neko Ashi
Dachi
Kake Dachi
Sanchin Dachi (hour glass stance) This stance is the same as Seisan except it has a slightly wider base for greater stability.
Slanted Seisan (half moon stance) This stance is halfway between Seisan and Seiuchin. The knees are still flexed inward as in Seisan, but the feet are pointed in the same direction. This stance is very good for both attack and defense. In Isshinryu this is considered an advanced stance and is not used by beginners in kata practice.
Tsuruashi
Dachi (Crane Stance)
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Seisan is the basic stance of Isshinryu and its techniques
are stressed in the first kata. From this stance one
can move into any other stance and in go in any direction.
This stance provides a strong base for defensive of as well
as offensive of techniques.
Seiuchin
is the second basic stance in Isshinryu and is also the name
of the second kata. Extremely strong Seiuchin is used
for defense in Kumite. Exposing a minimum target most
basic attacks can be warded off with varying little
movement.
Nahanchie
is the third basic stance of Isshinryu and also the name of
our third kata.
In
this stance both knees are bent. 90 to 95 percent of
the weight is on the back foot. The knee of the
leading leg is turned slightly inward to protect the groin.
A very flexible stance from which you can move in any
direction, in and out of range. It is a fine defense
of position. The hips move slightly to the rear.
The foot in front touches only the toes. Feet are no
closer than 12 inches.
The
leg in front is tensed and bears most of the weight.
The foot in the rear is capable of all the kicks. If
held for long time, the knee in rear is pressed against the
calf of the front leg. An example of this stance is
used in Chinto kata.
