Definition
Tachi waza (立ち技) is the Japanese term for stance/s (tachi/dachi). Shotokan karateka apply all techniques from specific stances. All stances feature advantages and disadvantages. Some offer very stable positions. Others prepare powerful techniques. And some make it possible to move quickly and create momentum and dynamic.
Shotokan Stances vs. Other Karate Style Stances
The tachi-waza distinguish Shotokan clearly from other karate styles. Shotokan applies deep stances in order to generate more power and being more dynamic. While it also offers a variety of short range strikes, kicks, and blocks its main focus lies on mid- and long-range techniques. Therefore, Shotokan seeks to keep opponents out of ones own critic perimeter. As a result, it offers smaller and weaker people an effective mean to defend themselves. Above all, many practitioners deem the long and strong techniques as very aesthetic.
List of Tachi Waza
Fudo dachi: rooted stance (e.g. in the kata Bassai Dai)
Gankaku dachi: crane stance (e.g. in the kata Gankaku)
Hachiji dachi: outward feet stance
Hangetsu dachi: half-moon stance (e.g. in the kata Hangetsu)
Heiko dachi: parallel attention stance (e.g. in the kata Kanku Dai)
Heisoku dachi: formal attention stance
Iaigoshi dachi: kneeling stance (e.g. in the kata Enpi)
Katashi dachi: crane-like stance (e.g. in the kata Enpi)
Kiba dachi: horse stance/side stance (e.g. in the Tekki katas)
Kokutsu dachi: back stance (in almost all Shotokan katas; usually first learned in Heian Shodan)
Kosa dachi: cross-legged stance (e.g. in the kata Heian Yondan)
Mitsurin dachi: jungle stance
Musubi dachi: informal attention stance, both heels touching and feet at 45° angle
Neco ashi dachi: cat stance (e.g. in the kata Bassai Sho)
Renoji dachi: l-stance, or relaxed stance (e.g. in the kata Kanku Dai)
Sagi ashi dachi: heron stance (e.g. in the kata Jitte)
Sanchin dachi: hourglass stance (e.g. in the kata Sanchin)
Sochin dachi: high-low blocking rooted stance
Teiji dachi: t-stance
Tsuru ashi dachi: hanging leg stance
Uchi hachiji dachi: inward feet stance; reverse of hachiji dachi
Yama dachi: mountain stance (e.g. in the kata Jitte)
Zenkutsu dachi: front stance
List of Authors:
Dr. Christian Tribowski
