The Back Stance

The Back Stance

The “Back Stance” also known as Kokutsu Dachi, is one of 3 primary “outside tension” stances.  Outside tension refers to the muscles of the leg pushing to the outside while in the stance. 

The back stance is primarily considered a defensive stance and works well against attacks from the front.  Shifting quickly to a front stance allows for a powerful counter attack.

According to Master Nakayama in his book “Dynamic Karate” the specific points to remember about this stance include:

1.      Keep a distance of about 32 inches between the front and back feet, and place the rear foot in a position such that its heel would be intersected by a line drawn thru the center of the front foot (diagram).

2.      Flex the ankle of the rear leg and keep the bottom of the foot firmly on the ground.  Place the heel of the front foot on the ground, but not firmly so.

3.      Point the front foot directly forward.  Turn the rear foot to the side, but force it slightly forward or inward.  Be sure the ankles form a 90 degree angle with each other.

4.      Force the knee of the rear leg outward as much as possible so that a plumb line dropped from the knee will hit on the inside next to the big toe of the rear foot.  Maintain outward tension on this knee to give strength to this stance.

5.      Locate the center of gravity so that the rear leg bears 70% and the front leg bears 30% of the body weight as indicated in the diagram.

Master Nakayama also identifies common faults, which include:

1.      The front knee is bent too much.  This puts weight on the front leg.

2.      The feet are too close together.  This forces the hips to rise.

3.      The front foot points in a direction other than forward, or the back foot points to the rear.

4.      The ankle and knee of the rear leg are relaxed.  This causes the body to sink down on this leg.

5.      The body weight moves too much onto the back leg so that the position of the knee shifts from that recommended in the diagram.

The distance between the feet is generally described as 1 ½ to 2 shoulder widths.  The front foot and the rear ankle are in a straight line.  The hips are low and at a 45 degree angle.  The torso is vertical with the nose and stomach in one line, the back of the head and tailbone in one line.

Master Mazhari teaches the back stance in the same way with a more applications based approach.  In application, Sensei Mazhari really emphasizes the need to shift quickly into a front stance with an attack.  Do not linger in back stance.  Use the back stance to put some distance between you and your opponent quickly, then move directly into an attack.  In Sensei Mazhari’s teaching, the back stance should be such that the front foot can easily execute a front snap kick without having to shift body weight at all.

The back stance is fundamental to Shotokan karate.  It is essential to really practice this stance and develop the leg muscles in a way to make it just a normal part of karate life.  The back stance is incredibly effective and also the most under utilized of the three outside tension stances.