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Stances & Ready Postures
Stances are the platform that makes patterns measurable. If the stance changes, timing and technique usually change with it.
Stances (Sogi) — why they matter in patterns
- They standardize distance: the pattern’s spacing stays consistent.
- They expose posture errors: wobble and leaning become obvious.
- They stabilize transitions: clean steps create clean finishes.
Reference table: stances
| English Name | Korean Name | Category | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walking stance | Gunnun Sogi | Core | Most common stance; forward movement and general technique |
| Low walking stance | Nachuo Gunnun Sogi | Modified | Lowered version for power and stability (senior patterns) |
| L-stance | Niunja Sogi | Core | Defensive stance; knife-hand techniques |
| Sitting stance | Annun Sogi | Core | Power generation, symmetry, lateral techniques |
| Fixed stance | Gojung Sogi | Core | Transitional stance; controlled forward/backward movement |
| Rear foot stance | Dwitbal Sogi | Core | Defensive positioning; weight on rear leg |
| Close stance | Moa Sogi | Core | Connecting movements; preparation and transitions |
| One-leg stance | Guburyo Sogi | Core | Balance, kicking preparation, checking techniques |
| Parallel stance | Narani Sogi | Transitional | Ready / preparatory position |
| Vertical stance | Soojik Sogi | Transitional | Direction changes, turning points |
| X-stance | Kyocha Sogi | Transitional | Crossing steps; linking movements |
| Rear walking stance | Dwit Gunnun Sogi | Modified | Lengthened rear stance; senior-level positioning |
| Extended one-leg stance | Guburyo Sogi Taechigi | Modified | Balance with reach; advanced kicking applications |
Ready postures
Ready postures are calibration points. They show whether posture, breathing, and tension are controlled before movement begins.
| English Name | Korean Name | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Parallel ready posture | Narani Junbi Sogi | Starting / ending position |
| Bending ready posture | Guburyo Junbi Sogi | Preparation, power loading, transition |
Pattern habit: Treat ready posture like a “reset.” If your shoulders are tight or your stance is sloppy here,
it will leak into the next movement.
Pattern-specific symbolic postures
Some patterns include descriptive or symbolic postures. These are often teaching images and “meaning cues,” not standard techniques.
| Descriptive Name | Pattern (Tul) | What It Describes | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heaven & Earth Hands | Chon-Ji | One hand raised, one lowered | Pattern-specific ready posture | Symbolic opening posture unique to Chon-Ji |
| Astrologer Looking Through the Window | Dan-Gun | Arm and head position suggesting observation | Descriptive posture | Visual teaching image, not a technique |
| Archer Drawing the Bow (interpretive) | Hwa-Rang | Arm tension and alignment imagery | Descriptive | Often instructor-explained, not always named in text |
| Mountain-like / Twin Mountain Shape | Kwang-Gae / Po-Eun (interpretive) | Symmetrical, grounded arm position | Symbolic description | Emphasizes stability and power |
| Grasping the Ox’s Tail | Yoo-Sin (commentary) | Hand position implying control | Application imagery | Appears mainly in interpretation, not formal naming |
| Flying Bird / Soaring Motion | Moon-Moo | Extended arms and legs in jump | Symbolic imagery | Represents national symbolism and movement quality |