Stances

Stances are not simply standing; they have to be executed correctly and practised.

They are basic techniques to build up muscles and create good balance which build the beginning and foundation of all the different techniques.

When it is combined with kicks, blocks and punches by students during sparring, stances are only held for a spilt second between moves as they flow from one technique to another. Here are some of the most important stances in Tae Kwon Do

ATTENTION STANCE

• All Tae kwon do start and end with this stance, with feet together and hands on the side.

READY STANCE

• With your weight spread evenly, stand with your feet a shoulder width apart and toes pointing forward.
• With fists clinched, bring them up to the front of your chest and lower them to the front, waist height. Make sure your elbows are slightly bent with knuckles facing forward.
• Be focused and look ahead. This stance is used for all the patterns that you will be taught.  

FORWARD STANCE

• This stance is a good for launching front attacks and defences.
• In the ready stance. Slide your right foot forward, with it slightly bent and the back leg straight. Make sure your front and back feet is two shoulder widths apart. Draw both fists up to the sides of your waist level, standing by for the next command.
• To move forward, pull your back leg towards your front leg with knee slightly bent and launching your left foot forward but away from your right foot.

 BACK STANCE

• Back stance is a firm defensive style because it presents a small and difficult target for your opponent but it also allow you to attack with a front leg kick without letting your opponent knowing your intentions.
• In the ready stance, slide your left foot forward and toes facing forward and right toes facing the right, turning your body to the right with your knees slight bent and placing most of your body weight on your back leg. Make sure your front and back feet is one and a half shoulder length apart.

HORSERIDING STANCE

• With your legs spread a shoulder widths apart and toes facing forward, bend your knees as if you are riding a horse or sitting on a chair with your fist beside your waist level.
• This stance is used for practising punches and blocks but it is also good for attacking and defending move to either side.