Foundations / Stances
Stances
Stance is not a pose. It’s a platform. A good stance makes technique easier and more repeatable.
What stances solve
Every stance is a tool. It “solves” a mechanical problem so your technique can be cleaner. No stance is “better” — only more appropriate.
- Balance: stops wobble so power goes into the target, not into recovery.
- Distance: puts your body at the correct range for that technique.
- Mobility: lets you step, pivot, or change direction without falling apart.
- Power: gives you a stable base so hips/shoulders can accelerate correctly.
Three stance rules
- Stable: you can stop without adjusting.
- Consistent: height and length repeat on both sides.
- Aligned: knees track the direction of the feet.
Walking stance (simple cues)
- Keep hips under you (don’t lean forward).
- Don’t let the back heel float unless required.
- Land quiet — noise usually means loss of control.
The stances
Tap a stance for the “why” (what it solves) and the fast checks (mistakes & what to look for).
Parallel stance (Narani Sogi)
Solves: equal balance + clean alignment when nothing fancy is needed.
Best for: fundamentals, symmetric blocks/strikes, starting positions.
Key cue: feel 50/50 pressure through both feet.
Mistakes & what to look for
- Mistake: Weight shifts sideways — Look for: one hip higher.
- Mistake: Locked knees — Look for: stiffness before movement.
Walking stance (Gunnun Sogi)
Solves: forward/back movement with stability (power while traveling).
Best for: stepping attacks, strong linear techniques, pattern lines.
Key cue: don’t “fall” into it—arrive controlled and quiet.
Mistakes & what to look for
- Mistake: Too long — Look for: falling forward at finish.
- Mistake: Rear heel lifts — Look for: loss of ground pressure.
L-stance (Niunja Sogi)
Solves: defensive stability with quick exits (protects you while staying mobile).
Best for: guarding, counter timing, angled movement.
Key cue: keep the base “L” shaped—don’t let the knees collapse inward.
Mistakes & what to look for
- Mistake: Too much forward weight — Look for: front knee dominance.
- Mistake: Rear knee collapse — Look for: wobble on turns.
Sitting stance (Annun Sogi)
Solves: low, wide base for maximum stability and upper-body power.
Best for: strong side blocks, punches, posture + leg conditioning.
Key cue: knees track over feet; don’t drift forward onto the toes.
Mistakes & what to look for
- Mistake: Knees push forward — Look for: heels going light.
- Mistake: Height changes — Look for: bouncing between techniques.
Fixed stance (Gojung Sogi)
Solves: stable “in-between” platform for control without getting stuck.
Best for: transitional power, solid finishes that still allow movement.
Key cue: grounded, but ready to move—no statue moments.
Mistakes & what to look for
- Mistake: Used as a pose — Look for: unnecessary pauses.
- Mistake: Weight stuck back — Look for: slow exits.
Vertical stance (Soojik Sogi)
Solves: quick transitions with a narrower base (mobility with structure).
Best for: fast direction changes, short steps, lighter footwork moments.
Key cue: stay tall without “floating”—quiet feet, stable hips.
Mistakes & what to look for
- Mistake: Hip collapse — Look for: pelvis dropping.
- Mistake: Rushed turns — Look for: noisy feet.
Close stance (Moa Sogi)
Solves: clean preparation and control in tight space (discipline + alignment).
Best for: pattern ready moments, formal transitions, regrouping the base.
Key cue: soften the knees slightly—don’t lock and sway.
Mistakes & what to look for
- Mistake: Locked knees — Look for: delayed reactions.
- Mistake: Rocking — Look for: visible sway.
Rear foot stance (Dwitbal Sogi)
Solves: defensive readiness by loading the back leg (protects front line + enables counters).
Best for: guard positions, checking distance, quick counters.
Key cue: don’t over-rotate—stay ready to return to line.
Mistakes & what to look for
- Mistake: Over-rotation — Look for: difficulty returning to line.
- Mistake: Standing tall — Look for: light contact with floor.
Bending ready stance A/B (Guburyo Junbi Sogi)
Solves: strong weight shift into one leg for rooted power and clear hip drive.
Best for: emphasized power moments, loading for release, rhythm changes in patterns.
Key cue: sink into the leg without dipping the head/torso.
Mistakes & what to look for
- Mistake: Torso dips — Look for: head dropping.
- Mistake: No recovery — Look for: extra step after release.
Diagonal stance (Sasun Sogi)
Solves: angle management (you can face/guard diagonally without twisting the knees).
Best for: directional changes, setting angle before technique.
Key cue: align hips and knees with the feet—don’t fight your own joints.
Mistakes & what to look for
- Mistake: Body straight, feet angled — Look for: knee twist.
One-leg stance (Waebal Sogi)
Solves: balance during transitions (preps stepping, kicking, or directional resets).
Best for: controlled lifts, checks, pattern transitions.
Key cue: balance over mid-foot—avoid hopping to recover.
Mistakes & what to look for
- Mistake: Heel balance — Look for: hopping to recover.
- Mistake: Hip hike — Look for: tilted shoulders.
Low stance (Nachuo Sogi)
Solves: maximum stability and “anchoring” for powerful techniques.
Best for: heavy blocks/strikes that require a wide, controlled base.
Key cue: don’t drop straight down—keep width and control the descent.
Mistakes & what to look for
- Mistake: Dropping straight down — Look for: narrow base.
- Mistake: Over-tension — Look for: shaking or breath holding.
If a stance fails, shorten it slightly and rebuild the line. Control reveals correct depth.
Drills
Use: Line Walk and Stance Hold.
Next
Go to Transitions & Resets.