Basic Karate Stance Tutorial - Karate Training Series Video #9

By David Younglove
Let's go through the basic back stance, front stance, horseback riding stance and cat stances.

With the back stance, make sure to think about your feet. Your feet should make a 90 degree angle on the outsides of the foot, separated by about twice your shoulder width for the most solid footing. Keep your shoulders and hips sideways and bend both of your knees. Make sure you back is nice and tall. It can get longer and deep in competition or sport. Some traditional styles might be a little shorter, but it's the same idea.

The horseback stance is similar, except both feet and knees face the same direction. Keep your shoulders back. Remember you stand with your head, shoulders, hips and feet all in one plane. Thick of it as you whole body lower down without changing its position from standing. Your body will naturally want to poke your seat out as you squat down. Make sure to roll it underneath, keep your shoulders square and bend your knees, pushing them to the outside. While it is challenging to stay in this position for a long time, it is a good stance for some mid-section punches.

A front stance can be done with either leg in front. Start with your feet about a shoulder width apart. Step forward with one foot, keeping the outside of both feet facing straight ahead. Keep your back leg nice and straight. Push your front knee forward until you can't see the toes on that foot anymore. Your front knee should be directly overtop of your toes. It may help to practice facing a wall. Your front toes and knee should both touch the wall. And keep your body erect as in the previous stances.

A cat stance is basically a back stance only your front leg comes back closer to you and you go up on the ball of the front foot.

David Younglove

USA Karate & Platinum Yoga

Rosemount MN