Kokutsu Dachi
Back stance or Fighting stance allows for a good amount of free movement yet providing good balance with the body dropped slightly and having a lower centre of gravity.
Less weight on the front foot allows the student to both defend from sweeps and deliver kicks.
1. Stand with feet shoulder width apart in Ready Stance.
2. Step forward with the left foot about two/three lengths of your own feet size.
3. Keep the toes of the left foot (front foot) pointing forwards, Twist the right foot (back foot) to the right as you step with the left, pointing the right toes at an angle of just past 90 degrees from the front. You should have a feeling of slightly more weight on the back leg than the front leg (ratio of 60% to 40% or 70% to 30%)
4. As you step forward, raise your guard raising your left arm, bent approx. 90 degrees with fist in line with shoulder and slightly in front of your body, the right arm is bent and across your mid section or on waist at belt height, fists clenched. (the opposite applies for right fighting stance)
5. Twist your body so your chest faces 45 degrees from the front.(This limits the body area facing your opponent, allowing an easier defense!)
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