A vast number of stances have been devised by the various systems of Karate. Some of these stances vary m width, height, angle of toe positions, percentage of weight distribution, etc. Al-though some are similar in appearance, they are not always used for the same purpose. In fact, some stances are only found in a particular system, specially devised for reasons of their own. In addition, identical stances may be known by different names. There are some stances which are used for defense since they give better protection; some are used because they give a stronger and firmer foundation, while others are used to dissolve the force of your opponent. Stances can also give one an offensive advantage for sneaking into at-tack, for moving into close range involving only a minimum amount of time, or for a faster change of height when attacking the lower regions of an opponent. A stance which is flexible can also be advantageous both for defense as well as offense since one can retreat or attack at a faster rate of speed. The average American observing these stances may refer to them as being "way out" or "weird" as compared with our conventional methods of fighting. However, it must be realized that most conventional methods are primarily confined to an individual who is generally accustomed to hit-ting an opponent above the belt line. In Karate, stances are designed to combat kicks as well as punches which are directed to targets above as well as below the waistline. Then, too, a few of these stances are best used against two or more attacking opponents whose knowledge may en-compass other martial art forms. There are numerous ways of maneuvering the stances. One can walk, slide or shuffle; hop, skip or jump with them, depending upon the particular circumstance. Although many of these stances are used but are not thought of as such since they are lost in transition and are only distinguishable when isolated. Hand positions are also used along with certain stances. When maneuvering, the change of hand positions are coordinated with the change of footwork or stances. While a particular stance may give the practitioner better protection for the lower regions, the hand positions will give better pro-tection to the upper regions plus the fact that the hands are also ideally positioned for a faster at-tack or counter attack. The coordination of handwork and stancework cannot be passed over lightly. It is important that they are used simultaneously. It is unfortunate that some systems do not employ this method of practicing. It is their belief that they should take a punch in order to get a stronger punch or kick into their desired target. The basis for this kind of reasoning is unsound since they fail to allow for the opponent's ability to hit hard as well as take punishment. My concept of a better practitioner is the one who, if ever forced to use his knowledge, is able to come out of a crisis with the least bit of damage to himself. Where in Germany, to have battle scars from a sword fight was an honor, to me scars in Karate would only be a compliment to your opponent's ability and skill. A few of the stances will be described and illustrated. In Photo No. 1 instructor Chuck Sullivan (on the left) is in a bent front knee or neutral bow stance. This stance is very useful when sparring. Since the body weight is distributed equally on both legs advancing and retreating can easily be done when attacking or defending. With an equal distribution of weight, less time is taken when transferring your weight to one leg as your other leg is used to kick. This stance and its variations are widely used by many systems. The stance to the right, illustrated in Photo No. 1 by the author, is known by other terms, as are all of the other stances. The most popular term used is the "cat

Stances In Karate By Ed Parker

stance." This stance is primarily a defensive stance although with practice one can very quickly advance or retreat and therefore use it when attacking. The distribution of bodyweight again varies among the systems but generally the rear leg bears 90 to 100 per cent of the bodyweight as com-pared with 5 to 0 per cent carried by the front leg. The change from one cat stance to another can

be done with great speed. Two chief reasons for the dangling front leg is so that it can be used instantly to kick with and also, when a leg sweep is applied to that leg (see Photo No. 2), the leg being loose absorbs the shock very effectively and can immediately be used as a counter to kick the ribs of your opponent (see Photo No. 3). In Photo No. 4 and Photo No. 5 instructor Sullivan is countering a two hand grab or intended choke. As the grab was applied, he slipped both of his forearms inside the arms of the author for deflection, simultaneously thrusting his fingers to the author's eyes. When instructor Sullivan exe-cuted his move, he assumed a neutral bow stance. Remaining in place, he merely pivoted to his left and dropped into the four cornered or riding horse stance as his left arm grabbed the right arm of the author (pulling it down) simultaneously striking upward to the jaw of the author with his right

elbow. Many important factors are involved in this technique. First, with a sudden change of stance from a higher to a lower stance, gravity became a very useful assistant. Dropping into a lower stance as the left hand pull was applied helped to accelerate the author's downward motion. Sec-ond, with the counter action of instructor Sullivan's right elbow, the force of that elbow was greatly enhanced. Then too, shifting into the riding horse stance made instructor Sullivan less of a target had a counter attack been contemplated. And finally, in the position that instructor Sullivan is in, he

Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 5

Photo 3 Photo 4

has numerous opportunities for further counters. If he desired he could have easily countered with a downward elbow strike to the sternum simultaneously applying a five finger claw to the face. In conclusion I again emphasize the importance of stancework. It helps one's balance, gives one more power in his punches, kicks, and strikes especially when pivoting from one stance to an-other, plus all of the other benefits heretofore mentioned. It is the foundation for your fortress of defense. Without it you will never be able to attain maximum efficiency.