stance (martial arts)

This refers to the lateral distance between the lead and rear foot. In general, open stances are more stable than closed stances. However, open stances leave one vulnerable to groin attacks and expose a larger portion of the body to an opponent.{{Cite web |url=https://dieselgym.co.uk/the-pros-and-cons-of-stances/ |title=The Pros and Cons of Stances}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxingdaily.com/boxing-news/boxing-stances/ |title=Boxing Stances}}

This refers to the distance from the lead foot to the rear foot. Short stances make the user very agile, but can be unstable. Long stances are very stable, but this is at the expense of agility. Most stances are approximately as wide as the shoulders, though there is significant variation between styles.

This refers to the bend in the knees and height relative to a normal standing position. Low stances are very powerful and assist delivery of power through the body to either the arms or the legs. High stances are more mobile and allow one to reposition rapidly.

Unweighted stances are those where half of one's bodyweight is on each foot. Forward-weighted or backward-weighted stances place most of body weight on either the rear or the lead foot, respectively. Forward-weighted stances are more aggressive, allowing stronger punches and kicks because one's weight is already forward. Alternatively, backward-weighted stances are more defensive, allowing one to fall back more easily.

Most disciplines have one major stance that they regularly employ (generally from a standard guard position), and many variations of this standard stance which incorporate various combinations of open/closed, long/short, high/low or weighted/unweighted.{{cite web |title=Four basic Karate stances |url=http://ndnd.essortment.com/karatestances_rucv.htm |website=Essortment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010221102315/http://ndnd.essortment.com/karatestances_rucv.htm |archive-date=21 February 2001}} Typically, martial arts do not teach fighting stances until students have developed other basic skills.

Orthodox stance refers to a stance where the left leg, and usually the left arm, is forward. Southpaw stance refers to a stance where the right leg, and usually the right arm, is forward.{{Cite web|url= https://dynamicstriking.com/blogs/news/establishing-an-inside-foot-position-in-the-open-stance-with-chris-camozzi?srsltid=AfmBOor3JxqyT0UN3liV44nyLRF6WcGVwtE0X289C0pvzm_2d9GAGQMj

|title=Establishing an Inside Foot Positionin the Open Stance}}{{Cite web|url= https://evolve-university.com/blog/beginners-guide-to-being-a-southpaw-in-muay-thai/|title=Beginners Guide to Being a Southpaw in Muay Thai}}{{Cite web|url= https://evolve-mma.com/blog/how-to-use-the-southpaw-advantage-in-martial-arts/|title=How to Use the Southpaw Advantage in Martial Arts}}{{Cite web|url= https://dynamicstriking.com/blogs/news/southpaw-boxing-stance?srsltid=AfmBOoq1gw9atnedbW-fY4R-N6Lzle3A33vItxXK6wrEQlmmWUJuLe0s|title=Southpaw Boxing Stance}}{{Cite web|url= https://spartansboxing.com/blog/orthodox-vs-southpaw/|title=Orthodox vs. Southpaw}}

Open stance refers to when one fighter is in an orthodox stance and the other is in a southpaw stance. Closed stance refers to when both fighters are in orthodox stances or both fighters are in southpaw stances.

; English boxing, Thai boxing

:* 2 feet aligned, somewhat spaced apart

:* standing position

; Karate, Wushu, Silat

:* right foot in front, left foot facing left or left foot in front, right foot facing right

:* crouching position

It is very common in the martial arts to describe stances and the transitions between them in terms of triangles, squares and circles.{{cite web |title=Stances and Triangles |url=http://www.practical-martial-arts.co.uk/practical_jujitsu/db_stances_triangles.html |website=Practical Martial Arts |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030513215303/http://www.practical-martial-arts.co.uk/practical_jujitsu/db_stances_triangles.html |archive-date=13 May 2003}} This is often done in conjunction with attempts to gain positional advantage{{cite web |title=Positional Advantage |url=http://www.wingchun-kungfu.org/positioning_n.htm |website=Wing Chun Kung Fu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003236/http://www.wingchun-kungfu.org/positioning_n.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007}} or gain control of the balance of an opponent. In addition, in many styles, specific stances are adopted either for attack or for defence. In addition, many stances are used purely for training, or as progressions to more advanced and practical stances learnt later on.

"Stances are the position from which all attacking and defensive moves begin. They combine balance, defence and readiness. A good basic stance is essential".{{cite web |title=Karate and Kickboxing Skills |url=http://www.blackpoolkarate.com/kickboxingskills.htm |website=Blackpool Karate |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041109191106/http://www.blackpoolkarate.com/kickboxingskills.htm |archive-date=9 November 2004}}

• Forward stance
• Horse stance
• Ginga (capoeira)
• Natural stance (how one stands on his/her feet)

• Karate stances

{{reflist|30em}}

{{martial arts}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Stance (Martial Arts)}}

Category:Martial arts techniques

Category:Partial squatting position

*