Stances. Presentation Of The Stances. Right/Left Characterization. Which Way Is Front? Ready/Junbi

Transcription

1 Stances A firm, well balanced and properly preformed stance acts as the literal foundation of every technique. If the stance is unbalanced or improperly executed the power and effectiveness of the technique is undermined no matter how well the technique itself is preformed. The basic principles of a proper stance are: Back is kept straight (with some exceptions for specific techniques, e.g. U Shaped Block) Shoulders are relaxed Abdomen is tensed Maintain correct shoulder facing for each stance Maintain balance/equilibrium Utilize knee spring (sine wave) Stability, agility, balance/equilibrium and flexibility/versatility are the controlling factors in deciding which stance is the most appropriate for a given situation or desired technique. A stance developed to maximize stability will not allow for the greatest amount of agility, while another stance may offer the flexibility and versatility to execute the required technique while allowing for a better compromise between stability and agility for your physical abilities (such as muscle flexibility and ability to maintain your balance/equilibrium). There is rarely a single correct answer, though there is often a best choice amongst the available options. Presentation Of The Stances In addition to the traditional text based descriptions and foot placement schematics based on the Encyclopaedia, the stances are also presented in a number of Charts as well as in the Periodic Table of Taekwon do Stances. These resources are intended to provide different ways to study, visualize and remember the characteristics of the stances. The stances have also been reordered from their presentation within the Encyclopaedia to be in the relational groupings based on the common characteristics of the stances. What this reordering does not do is place the stances in the order students will learn the stances, nor does it place the stances in any sort of order of importance or order of practicality. This may be confusing to new students at first, but this order allows the stances to be logically organized within the charts, which in turn aids in learning the characteristics of the stances. Right/Left Characterization A stance is characterized as being left or right sided by first determining the leg supporting the most weight (e.g. L Stance). If the stance calls for an even distribution of weight, then the leg in the forward position determines the side (e.g. Walking Stance). Stances where there is an even distribution of weight and neither foot is placed forward are not characterized as having a side (e.g. Sitting Stance). Which Way Is Front? When a stance description refers to the front, this is the 12 o clock position of the stance as pictured in the foot placement schematic. For example, Bending Ready Stance Type B has a foot diagram (pictured at right) with the base foot facing 12 o clock, while the head/eyes face 9 o clock. When the description below refers to the front, it is referring to the 12 o clock position of the stance/feet. Front does not refer to the direction the eyes are facing. In the Encyclopaedia itself, this distinction is never formalized and there is some variation on what the term front refers to; sometimes it refers to the directionality of the stance, and sometimes the direction of the head/eyes. Ready/Junbi A Ready Stance (Junbi Sogi) is not a direct part of any action. Rather it positions the student before the subsequent motion and allows time for a concentration of spirit. information and acknowledgements. Thank you to all who came before, from all of us who follow. Taekwon. [Revision 272] Page 1

2 Attention Stance (Charyot Sogi) Length: none (feet are parallel) Width: none (heels are together) Characterization: none (even weight distribution, feet are parallel) Both legs are straight Feet are angled outward forming an angle between them of approx. 45 Eyes face to the front, looking slightly above the horizon Arms, Ready (Junbi): Relaxed at side with elbows slightly bent forward and fists lightly clenched Facing: Full Facing Close Stance (Moa Sogi) Length: none (feet are parallel) Width: none (feet are together) Characterization: none (even weight distribution, feet are parallel) Both legs are straight Feet are together Arms: Relaxed at side with elbows slightly bent forward and fists lightly clenched Ready (Junbi) Type A: Right fist is clenched with left finger pads placed over the right fore fist; hands are positioned approx. 30cm directly in front of the philtrum (upper lip) Ready (Junbi) Type B: Right fist is clenched with left finger pads placed over the right fore fist; hands are positioned approx. 15cm directly in front of the naval (belly button) Ready (Junbi) Type C: Right hand forms a knife hand with the left hand covering the right (middle fingertips overlap); hands are positioned approx. 10cm directly in front of the abdomen (stomach) Ready (Junbi) Type D: Form a Twin Low Side Block with fists approx. 30cm from thighs The Close Stance is primarily used as a preparatory technique, but it can be used for attacking or defence. X Stance (Kyocha Sogi) Weight Distribution: 10/90 (10% on placed leg, 90% on supporting leg) Length: none (feet are inline) Width: none (feet are inline) Characterization: supporting leg, given a Right X Stance (as pictured): Right leg is bent so that the knee is approx. inline above the toes Left leg is bent to allow only the ball of the foot to slightly touch the ground Left leg should be placed at a natural angle facing forward (denoted as X in the figures) Arms, Ready (Junbi): Form a Twin Low Side Block Facing: Full Facing, Half Facing, Side Facing The X Stance is frequently used as part of a side or front jumping motion or as a preparatory stance. The nonsupporting foot is usually crossed behind the supporting foot when jumping (Figure 1), and is always crossed in front when stepping (Figure 2).This stance allows for convenient attacks to the side and front. information and acknowledgements. Thank you to all who came before, from all of us who follow. Taekwon. [Revision 272] Page 2

3 Parallel Stance (Narani Sogi) Length: none (feet are parallel) Width: 1 Shoulder Width (outside stance) measured from the swords (outside) of each foot Characterization: none (even weight distribution, feet are parallel) Both legs are straight Toes point forward Arms: Relaxed at side, elbows angled inward, fists lightly clenched approx. 5cm apart and 7cm in front of abdomen Ready (Junbi): Upper arms angled forward approx. 30, forearms angled upward approx. 40, elbows approx. 10cm from floating ribs (extending to the side only as much as necessary), fists lightly clenched approx. 5cm apart and 7cm in front of abdomen Warrior Stance A: Left Vertical Punch at side of waist with Right Finger Bellies covering the Left Fore Fist Warrior Stance B: Right Vertical Punch at side of waist with Left Finger Bellies covering the Right Fore Fist The Parallel Stance is primarily used as a preparatory technique, but it can be used for attacking or defence. Inner Open Stance (An Palja Sogi, a modification of Parallel Stance) Length: none (feet are parallel) Width: 1 Shoulder Width (outside stance) measured from the swords (outside) of each foot Characterization: none (even weight distribution, feet are parallel) Both legs are straight Toes point slightly inward (denoted as X in the figure) Arms: Relaxed at side with elbows slightly bent and fists lightly clenched Ready (Junbi): In position simular to Parallel Ready Stance, but with fists positioned lower over thighs The Inner Open Stance is primarily used as a preparatory technique, but it can be used for attacking or defence. The Inner Open Stance is not often used due to the looseness of the leg muscles and the inherent lack of stability. Outer Open Stance (Bakat Palja Sogi, a modification of Parallel Stance) Length: none (feet are parallel) Width: 1 Shoulder Width (heel to heel) measured from the outside of each heel Characterization: none (even weight distribution, feet are parallel) Both legs are straight Both feet are angled outward at approx. 45 Arms: Relaxed at side with elbows slightly bent and fists lightly clenched Ready (Junbi): In position simular to Parallel Ready Stance, but with fists positioned lower over thighs The Outer Open Stance is primarily used as a preparatory technique, but it can be used for attacking or defence. The Outer Open Stance is not often used due to the looseness of the leg muscles and the inherent lack of stability. Though the measurement definition differs, the width of the legs is the same as in Parallel Stance. Only the pads of the feet are rotated outward at approx. 45 which gives the appearance of a wider stance. information and acknowledgements. Thank you to all who came before, from all of us who follow. Taekwon. [Revision 272] Page 3

4 Sitting Stance (Annun Sogi) Length: none (feet are parallel) Width: 1.5 Shoulder Widths (inside stance) measured from the inside of each foot Characterization: none (even weight distribution, feet are parallel) Both legs are bent so that the knees are inline above the balls of the feet Toes point forward Tense leg muscles as though squeezing the space between the legs, to solidify the stance Push both the chest and abdomen out while pulling the hips back Arms, Ready (Junbi): Form a Twin Low Side Block with fists approx. 30cm from thighs The Sitting Stance is a stable stance for lateral movement and can be easily shifted into a Walking Stance by slightly rotating on the balls of the feet. If the stance is too wide (greater then 1.5 shoulder widths) reaction time is slower and the stance is weaker. If the toes are not pointed forward, stability is compromised. Diagonal Stance (Sasun Sogi, a modification of Sitting Stance) Length: none (feet are inline) Width: 1.5 Shoulder Widths (inside stance) measured from the inside of each foot Characterization: Front leg, given a Left Diagonal Stance (as pictured): Both legs are bent so that the knees are inline above the balls of the feet Toes point forward Tense leg muscles as though squeezing the space between the legs, to solidify the stance Push both the chest and abdomen out while pulling the hips back Arms, Ready (Junbi): Form a Twin Low Side Block with fists approx. 30cm from thighs The Diagonal Stance is a strong, effective stance to the front and rear when attacking and defending. The Diagonal Stance is a stable stance for lateral movement and can be easily shifted into a Walking Stance by slightly rotating on the balls of the feet. If the stance is too wide (greater then 1.5 shoulder widths) reaction time is slower and the stance is weaker. If the toes are not pointed forward, stability is compromised. Crouched Stance (Oguryo Sogi; modification of Diagonal Stance) The Crouched Stance makes use of leg tension (speeding reaction time) by bending the knees inward, but this advantage is also the main disadvantage of the stance as the knees are weakened to side attacks. This stance provides some additional advantages for shifting to other stances quickly and presents a flexible guarding posture to keep your opponent on the move. The distance between the feet can be flexible, leading this to be a more dynamic stance. information and acknowledgements. Thank you to all who came before, from all of us who follow. Taekwon. [Revision 272] Page 4

5 Bending Stance (Guburyo Sogi) Weight Distribution: 100/0 (0% on raised front leg, 100% on supporting leg) Length: none (single foot stance) Width: none (single foot stance) Characterization: supporting leg, given a Right Bending Stance (as pictured): Right leg is bent Ready (Junbi) Type A: Raised left knee pointed approx. 60 from the front (or approx. 30 from the facing direction), sole of the left foot is placed on/near the inside of the right knee and the left foot sword is parallel to the ground Ready (Junbi) Type B: Raised left knee pointed to the front; arch of the left foot is placed on/near the inside of the right knee and left foot sword is parallel to the ground Arms: Form a Twin Low Side Block Ready (Junbi) Type A: Form a Left Outer Forearm Guarding Block Ready (Junbi) Type B: Form a Twin Low Side Block with fists approx. 25cm from thighs, elbows bent approx. 30 The Bending Stance serves as a preparation for side and back kicks, though it is also frequently used for defence. Bending Ready Stance Type A is primarily a preparation position for executing a side piercing kick or a side thrusting kick. Bending Ready Stance Type B is primarily a preparation position for executing a back piercing kick. The front of the stance is defined as the direction the supporting foots toes are pointed (as opposed to the facing of the head, which generally looks toward the non supporting leg side). One Leg Stance (Waebal Sogi; a realtive of Bending Stance) Weight Distribution: 100/0 (0% on raised front leg, 100% on supporting leg) Length: none (single foot stance) Width: none (single foot stance) Characterization: supporting leg, given a Right One Leg Stance (as pictured): Right leg is straight Left foot is angled downward (toes down) and slightly outward with the ball of the foot at the side of the right knee, or with the instep of the left foot placed behind the right knee Arms: Form a Twin Low Side Block The One Leg Stance is primarily used in balancing exercises, but can also be used for attacking and defence. One Leg Stance is not designated as a relative to Bending Stance in the Encyclopaedia, but is considered a relative here due to the number of similarities (foot orientation, foot angles, facings, characterization, etc.) to Bending Stance. information and acknowledgements. Thank you to all who came before, from all of us who follow. Taekwon. [Revision 272] Page 5

6 Walking Stance (Gunnun Sogi) Weight Distribution: 50/50 (50% on front leg, 50% on rear leg) Length: 1.5 Shoulder Widths (toes to toes) measured from the rear to front big toes Width: 1 Shoulder Width (foot centres) measured from the centre of each foot Characterization: Front leg, given a Left Walking Stance (as pictured): Left toes point forward Front of left knee is inline above the rear of the left heel Right leg is straight Right toes point approx. 25 outward Tense leg muscles as though squeezing the space between the legs, to solidify the stance Arms, Ready (Junbi): Form a Twin Low Side Block with fists approx. 30cm from thighs, elbows bent approx. 30 Facing: Full Facing, Half Facing, Reverse Half Facing The Walking Stance is a strong, effective stance to the front and rear when attacking and defending. If the stance is too long (over 1.5 shoulder widths) reaction time is slower and the stance is weaker. If the rear foot angled greater than 25 the knee is weakened to attacks from the rear, if angled less than 25 stability is compromised. Low Stance (Nachuo Sogi, a modification of Walking Stance) Weight Distribution: 50/50 (50% on front leg, 50% on rear leg) Length: 1.5 Shoulder Widths (inside stance) measured from the rear toes to the front heal Width: 1 Shoulder Width (foot centres) measured from the centre of each foot Characterization: Front leg, given a Left Low Stance (as pictured): Left toes point forward Front of left knee is inline above the rear of the left heel Right leg is straight Right toes point approx. 25 outward Tense leg muscles as though squeezing the space between the legs, to solidify the stance Arms: Form the prescribed attacking tool Facing: Full Facing, Half Facing The Low Stance is effective in extending the attacking tool as well as a means to adjust the distance to your target. As this stance is longer than 1.5 shoulder widths, reaction time is slower and the stance is weaker than a Walking Stance. If the rear foot angled greater than 25 the knee is weakened to attacks from the rear, if angled less than 25 stability is compromised. information and acknowledgements. Thank you to all who came before, from all of us who follow. Taekwon. [Revision 272] Page 6

7 information and acknowledgements. Thank you to all who came before, from all of us who follow. Taekwon. [Revision 272] Page 7

8 Rear Foot Stance (Dwitbal Sogi; a realtive of L Stance) Weight Distribution: 10/90 (10% on front leg, 90% on rear leg) Length: 1 Shoulder Width (outside stance) measured from the rear heel to front toes Width: none (feet are inline) Characterization: Rear leg, given a Right Rear Foot Stance (as pictured): Right leg is bent so the knee is inline above the toes Right knee points slightly inward Right heel is placed slightly inside the left heel Right toes should point approx. 15 inward Left leg is bent to allow the ball of the foot to slightly touch the ground Left toes should point approx. 25 inward Arms: Form a Twin Low Side Block Facing: Half Facing The Rear Foot Stance is primarily used for defence as the front foot can move spontaneously to kick, adjust distance or stance as the front leg carries only its own weight. Rear Foot Stance is not designated as a relative to L Stance in the Encyclopaedia, but is considered a relative here due to the number of similarities (foot orientation, foot angles, facings, characterization, etc.) to L Stance. Unified Chart Stance Facing Foot Angles Front / Rear Raised Weight Dist. Front / Rear Raised Default Arm Position Measurement Length / Width Attention Stance (Charyot) F / 50 fists at belt * Close Stance F S / 50 / 50 fists at belt * X Stance F S H 0 / X 10 / 90 2x low side block Parallel Stance F S 0 / 0 50 / 50 fists at belt * /1o Inner Open Stance F S X / X 50 / 50 fists at belt * /1o Outer Open Stance F S 45 / / 50 fists at belt * /1h Sitting Stance F S 0 / 0 50 / 50 2x low side block /1.5i Diagonal Stance F S 0 / 0 50 / 50 2x low side block /1.5i Crouched Stance F S 0 / 0 50 / 50 2x low side block / ~1.5i Bending Stance F S 0 / / 0 2x low side block One Leg Stance F S 0 / / 0 2x low side block Walking Stance F H rh 0 / / 50 2x low side block 1.5t / 1c Low Stance F H 0 / / i / 1c L Stance H 15 / / 70 forearm guard 1.5o / h2.5cm Fixed Stance H 15 / / 50 forearm guard 1.5t / h2.5cm Vertical Stance H 15 / / 60 2x low side block 1t / Rear Foot Stance H 25 / / 90 2x low side block 1o / * Arms relaxed at side, elbows bent, fists clenched. In Junbi, upper arms angled forward approx. 30, forearms angled upward approx. 40, elbows approx. 10cm from floating ribs (extending to the side only as much as necessary), fists lightly clenched approx. 5cm. In Junbi, position simular to Parallel Ready Stance (see above), but with fists positioned lower over thighs. information and acknowledgements. Thank you to all who came before, from all of us who follow. Taekwon. [Revision 272] Page 8

9 Facing Chart Stance Full Facing Side Facing Half Facing Reverse Half Facing Attention Stance (Charyot) Close Stance X Stance Parallel Stance Inner Open Stance Outer Open Stance Sitting Stance Diagonal Stance Crouched Stance Bending Stance One Leg Stance Walking Stance Low Stance L Stance Fixed Stance Vertical Stance Rear Foot Stance Totals Foot Angles Chart Stance X None Attention Stance (Charyot) Close Stance X Stance Parallel Stance Inner Open Stance Outer Open Stance Sitting Stance Diagonal Stance Crouched Stance Bending Stance One Leg Stance Walking Stance Low Stance L Stance Fixed Stance Vertical Stance Rear Foot Stance Totals information and acknowledgements. Thank you to all who came before, from all of us who follow. Taekwon. [Revision 272] Page 9

10 Weight Distribution & Characterization Chart Stance 50/50 40/60 30/70 10/90 100/0 Attention Stance (Charyot) Close Stance X Stance Parallel Stance Inner Open Stance Outer Open Stance Sitting Stance Diagonal Stance Crouched Stance Bending Stance One Leg Stance Walking Stance Low Stance L Stance Fixed Stance Vertical Stance Rear Foot Stance Totals Default Arm Positions & Junbi Chart Stance Attention Stance (Charyot) Twin Low Side Block Outer Forearm Guarding Block Relaxed At Side, Elbows Bent, Fists Clenched (Junbi) Other* Close Stance Type D Types A, B, C X Stance (Junbi) Parallel Stance (Junbi ) Warrior A, B Inner Open Stance (Junbi ) Outer Open Stance (Junbi ) Sitting Stance Diagonal Stance Crouched Stance (Junbi) Bending Stance (Type B) Type A One Leg Stance Walking Stance Low Stance L Stance Fixed Stance Vertical Stance (Junbi) (Junbi) Rear Foot Stance Totals NOTE: Bullets () represent the default arm position; the text represents the Junbi positions (if any). In Junbi, upper arms angled forward approx. 30, forearms angled upward approx. 40, elbows approx. 10cm from floating ribs (extending to the side only as much as necessary), fists lightly clenched approx. 5cm. In Junbi, position simular to Parallel Ready Stance (see above), but with fists positioned lower over thighs. * Refer to the stance s definition for a description of the Junbi position. Varies information and acknowledgements. Thank you to all who came before, from all of us who follow. Taekwon. [Revision 272] Page 10

11 Measurement From/To Chart Stance Outside Stance Inside Stance Toe to Toe Heel to Heel Foot Centres None Attention Stance (Charyot) Close Stance X Stance Parallel Stance W, 1 L Inner Open Stance W, 1 L Outer Open Stance W, 1 L Sitting Stance W, 1.5 L Diagonal Stance W, 1.5 L Crouched Stance W, ~1.5 L Bending Stance One Leg Stance Walking Stance L, 1.5 W, 1 Low Stance L, 1.5 W, 1 L Stance L, 1.5 W, 2.5cm Fixed Stance L, 1.5 W, 2.5cm Vertical Stance L, 1 W Rear Foot Stance L, 1 W Totals Measurement Shoulder Lengths Chart Stance 1.5 Shoulder Widths 1 Shoulder Width 2.5cm (1 inch) None Attention Stance (Charyot) Close Stance X Stance Parallel Stance W L Inner Open Stance W L Outer Open Stance W L Sitting Stance W L Diagonal Stance W L Crouched Stance W (~1.5) L Bending Stance One Leg Stance Walking Stance L W Low Stance L W L Stance L W Fixed Stance L W Vertical Stance L W Rear Foot Stance L W Totals L = Length; W = Width 1 = 1 Shoulder Width; 1.5 = 1.5 Shoulder Widths ~ = Approximately information and acknowledgements. Thank you to all who came before, from all of us who follow. Taekwon. [Revision 272] Page 11

12 Nicholas Campbell (I Dan). Licensed under CC-By-SA. Edited By C. McMaster (II Dan), S. Bower (VI Dan). Thank you to all who came before, from all of us who follow. This work may be copied, distributed, transmitted and/or adapted (even for commercial use) provided this copyright notice is retained in full. See FusionMartialArts.com.au/freeware/ for more information and acknowledgements. Taekwon. [Revision 272]