Your First

Isshinryu Stances

Think of a stance as your foundation. You would not build a house on a weak foundation and you cannot execute a strong karate technique from a weak stance (foundation).

Without a strong stance.

You will never fully develop your potential power in other techniques.

Your legs will always be a potential target to an opponent.

You cannot move quickly with power.  

 

The first two stances are Seisan and Seiuchin. There is no stance in Isshinryu that has a locked leg.  The knees are always slightly bent. The basic stances, the heels are always kept flat on ground. The upper body is always erect.  The head is always held in a position so you can easily see your opponent. Not looking down at your feet. Your eyes always look the direction of the technique you are doing. As much as possible keep your weight centered the same distance from each foot.

 

Seisan Dachi
The First Stance (Seisan Dachi)

 Pronounced Say-san - Dachi = Stance

Seisan Required for 1st Stripe

 Seisan is the basic stance of Isshinryu Karate. Its techniques are stressed most drills and the first forms, Taikyoku 1, 2, and 3 use only Seisan Dachi. This stance provides a strong base for defensive of as well as offensive of techniques.

The upper body is erect with shoulders level.  Both knees are flexed inward the toes of both feet are straightforward.

With the feet kept shoulder width apart. The toes of the rear foot touch an imaginary line that would touch the heel of the front foot.  The center of gravity is in the exact center of the line separating the feet.

What we watch for when testing

Do not lean forward. (Your weight stays centered)

Do not allow your heels to leave the ground. (Keep both heels on the ground)

Do not straighten the knees. (Keep your knees bent)

Do not step to far forward. (Keep the heel of your front foot even with the toes of your back foot)

Do not look down. (Keep your head up) 

Seiuchin Dachi

The second stance of Isshinryu

 Pronounced Say-ouu-chin

Seiuchin Required for 2nd Stripe

Seiuchin is the second basic stance in Isshinryu. It is an extremely strong stance used for defense in Kumite (Sparring).  Exposing a minimum target most basic attacks can be warded off with very little movement. Used as a side fighting stance. Seiuchin is also used often in exercise and hand drills, because it gives balance between left and right. It also strengthens the legs if you stand correctly. 

From this stance you can also launch good attacks, side thrust kicks, round house kicks, and spinning back kicks.

The feet are about 1 1/2 shoulder width apart with the heels on the same line. The knees are well bent. The toes are out at a 45 degree angle. Upper body must be erect, weight evenly distributed on both feet.

When you look down you should not be able to see your toes. (If you can, your legs are too straight) 

 

What we watch for when testing

Do not lean forward. (Your weight stays centered)

Do not straighten the knees. (Keep your knees bent)

Do not look down. (Think proud keep your head up)

 

 

Click the Dragon