Stances

By Sifu John Cho

Since my martial arts background is in kung-fu, it was relatively easy to employ some of these stances in the set. Note that the stances are higher than in some traditional forms, but the reasoning for that is greater mobility. Think of the stance in this way: we use the stance to strengthen our posture or position with the stick. Key points with the stances are do you feel strong and balanced, does the stance enhance what you are trying to do, and how do you move in or out of that stance. Try to follow the stance, modify if you need to. The stance is an aid to you, not for some tournament score.

• Horse stance: feet pointed straight, weight evenly distributed between two legs, and back slightly curved so that shoulders are forward.

• Bow stance: lead foot turned slightly inward and rear foot in same direction, weight is 70% on forward leg, and back follows the line of the legs.

• Back stance: lead foot turned slightly inward and rear foot is perpendicular to lead foot, weight is 40% on lead foot and 60% on rear foot, the back should be arched forward.

• Cat stance: lead foot turned slightly inward and rear is in same direction, weight is 20% on lead foot and 80% on the rear foot, the back should be relatively straight.

• Cross stance: feet are perpendicular, weight is about 70% on front leg and 30% on rear leg, and back should lean slightly.