~  THE HALLS DOJO  ~

ISSHIN-RYU STANCES

Isshin-Ryu stances depend on many factors.  Such as:

1. Your opponent’s position
2. Your physical characteristics
3. Your strategy

The Do’s and Don’ts of Isshin-Ryu Stances

1. Never lock your knees
2. If your feet are close together you will have a weak stance
3. The knees should remain slightly bent at all times
4. The upper body should remain erect at all times
5. Don’t bob or weave your head as you step
6. Keep the heels down (except in the T stance)
7. Grip the floor with your toes (this is for balance)
8. Be aware of your center of gravity

Seisan Stance

             Advantages 

1. High center of gravity
2. Comfortable and mobile
3. Defensive, easy to move in any direction quickly
4. Strong offensive stance, you have both hands and both feet available
5. Weight is evenly distributed (50 – 50)

Disadvantages 

1. Your vital points to the front are exposed
2. Sacrifices power
3. Sacrifices stability

Seiuchin Stance

             Advantages 

1. Strong defensive stance from either side
2. Good for developing legs, mainly the thighs
3. Strong Stability
4. Strong fighting stance
5. Easy to launch offensive attack such as kicks or strikes

Disadvantages 

1. Lack of mobility
2. Telegraphs attacks because of low center of gravity (about 4” to 6” low)
3. Lack of maneuverability
4. You can only use two of your four major weapons without a major body shift

Naihanchin Stance 

            Advantages 

1. Strong from the side
2. Good defensive and offensive stance for fighting someone directly at your side
3. Maneuverability for close-in combat
4. Counter from sweeps
5. High center of gravity, well balanced stance
6. Mobile stable stance from the side

Disadvantages 

1. Weak from the front and rear (stability)
2. Movement is limited to sideways only
3. Front of the body is open

T Stance 

            Advantages 

1. A defensive stance, especially for fast foot counters
2. Easy to step at an angle against your opponent
3. Use the front leg to block kicks, and give a kick back

Disadvantages

1. Balance can easily be upset, especially against a larger, stronger opponent
2. Lack of mobility

Crane Stance 

            Advantages 

1. To cover distances quickly
2. Easy to sidestep your opponent
3. Kicks are hard to see, using the back foot

Disadvantages

1. Never used in fighting because of lack of mobility
2. Feet are turned in