The Front Stance

The “Front Stance” also known as Zenkutsu 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. 

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.  Maintain a width between the feet equivalent to the width of the hips.

2.      Tighten the ankles and knees of both legs and keep the soles of the feet firmly in contact with the ground.

3.      Point the front foot slightly inward.  Turn the back foot to the front as much as possible so that both feet point in about the same direction.

4.      Place the knee of the front leg in such a position that a plumb line dropped from its center will fall just to the inside of the ball of the foot.

5.      Distribute the body weight so that the front leg supports about 60 and the rear leg 40 percent.  The center of gravity is thus closer to the front foot.

Master Nakayama also identifies common faults, which include:

1.      Too much weight is placed on the front foot and the heal of the rear foot is not firmly on the ground.  This undermines stability.

2.      One foot is placed directly behind the other, reducing the width between the feet to less than the width of the hips.  This lessens stability and balance to the side.  Moreover, balance to the front and to the rear will be weakened if the feet are placed wider apart than the hips.

3.      The front foot points outward instead of slightly inward or the rear foot points to the side instead of forward.  These faults impair stability.

4.      The front knee is straightened instead of being bent.  This raises the level of the hips and reduces stability.

5.      The knee of the leading leg moves too much to one side or the other.  This weakens the knee in the direction of the error.

6.      The front ankle is not fully flexed.  This causes a corresponding looseness in the knee and results in an unstable position.

It is important to make sure there is a big enough space between the front and rear foot.  Lower the hips.  Bend the front knee so it is over the front foot.  Keep the back leg straight.  Maintain a straight back with the upper body perpendicular to the ground.  The front stance is a strong stance and is especially effective when power must be directed forward.  It is used to block an attack coming from the front, but it is also a strong position from which to attack a target directly ahead.

Master Mazhari teaches the front stance in the same way with a more applications based approach.  In application, Sensei Mazhari really emphasizes the need to explode out of the front stance into attack as an example.  In Sensei Mazhari’s teaching, it is important to push the front knee forward so that it covers the toes.  This positioning ensures that momentum can be developed going forward.

The front 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.  So much of defense and attack originate with the front stance.  It really is the quintessential stance in karate.