One of the key to success as a Martial Artist is balance, the ability to deliver strikes or kicks in a controlled manner that minimizes your vulnerability to your assailant. The Shaolin Monks studied the movements of animals in their natural environment, both as they preyed upon others and resisted the attacks of predators. The monks adapted the aggressive and defensive movements of these animals in the discipline you are now studying.
The heart of any movement is the stance, because your position and balance dictate your ability to execute a defensive block, hand strike or kick, plus your ability to evade hostile actions. The names used to describe the stances are indicative of their employment, and you can easily see the animals from which they were derived. Some are used to deliver forceful strikes; blocks and kicks- For instance, the Horse Stance can be used whether facing your opponent directly or from the side. The Cat Stance mimics the arch of an agile cat?s back when alarmed, and we’ve all seen how quickly a cat can strike from that position.
There are many factors that determine which is the best stance for you to use. There are inevitable trade-offs. For example, if you want a lightening ?quick strike, than it will not have as much power behind it as a slower, more forceful blow. But delivering a stronger blow requires more time, which gives your opponent more opportunity to react. Which do you use? The circumstances will decide that for you. This is why you will learn so many different Pinans, Katas, Shaolin Defensive Maneuvers and Kempo Techniques, and why proficiency with each is essential. As you practice your techniques with a partner, both offensively and defensively, you will begin to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of each technique against an opponent. Then you can exploit them to your advantage.
Below are the stances you will master, both from left and the right sides. They are listed alphabetically, not in the order in which you will learn them.
- BOW & ARROW STANCE
The Bow & Arrow Stance is sometimes referred to as a “T” Stance, because your feet are placed with the leading foot as the stem of the letter and the back foot as the top of the letter.
When you assume a Bow & Arrow Stance, almost all of your body weight is on the back foot, and only the ball of the leading foot touches the ground. Because of the weight-back feature, the Bow & Arrow Stance enables quick kicks executed from the lead foot. These quick kicks will not have the same force behind them like a Roundhouse or Thrust Kick. Keep your back straight, head up, and face your opponent directly. Practice on both the right and left side.
- CAT STANCE
The Cat Stance sacrifices power for speed. This is because only approximately fifteen percent of your body weight is placed on the leading foot, which makes it very easy to lift the foot and kick. Also, it is a good transitional stance and useful when springing forward into action.
When you assume the Cat Stance, both legs are bent and only the ball of the leading foot touches the ground: the heel remains elevated. Keep your back straight, head up, and face your opponent directly. Practice on both the right and left side.
- CRANE STANCE
The Crane Stance improves balance. With all of your body weight planted on one leg, your vulnerability to a sweeping leg attack had increased; however, you are postured with improved groin, stomach and head protection.
When you assume the Crane Stance, start with both feet together. Raise the left knee until your thigh is parallel with the ground, while the right (standing) leg is slightly bent. Position your left forearm just in front of the left thigh with the hand opened on tensed. The right arm is positioned by placing your right hand (opened and tensed), just in front of your forehead shielding the eyes. Keep your back straight, head up, and face your opponent directly. Practice on both the right and left side.
- FLAMINGO STANCE
The Flamingo Stance is considered a transitional stance used prior to and when recovering from mainly linear kicks. In other words, it is a stance that exists in most kicks, although in timing it will not be distinguished as a separate movement.
When you assume the Flamingo Stance, slightly bend the weight bearing leg as you raise the kicking left off the ground, with the knee pointing at your opponent. Keep your back straight, head up and face your opponent directly. Practice on both the right and left side.
As with any stance that places most or all of your weight on one leg, you are vulnerable to being hocked or swept. Pay attention and be alert!
- FRONT POSITION
- HALF-MOON STANCE
A Half-Moon Stance is a versatile stance used frequently in forms, Shaolin Defensive Maneuvers, and in sparring.
When you assume a Half-Moon Stance, your feet are placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, but with one foot forward and one foot back. Your body weight is evenly distributed as you face your opponent. Hands may be at elbow position, or on guard, with your head up and your back straight. Just like boxing, strikes delivered quickly-jabs and pokes, for example. The rear hand or leg will have the entire body mass behind the strike or kick, but takes longer to deliver, thus enables your opponent to evade or retaliate.
- HORSE STANCE
The Horse Stance is mainly intended for practice and training. Since you are wide open and vulnerable, it is not advisable to use this stance in a real self-defense situation. However, you might use what many call a ?Side Horse Stance?- this is the basic horse Stance, only you turn your body so your side is facing your opponent. Naturally, you will need to turn your head to face your opponent.
When you assume a Horse Stance, your feet are placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, with your weight evenly distributed on both feet. Your feet are pointed straight, knees are bent and slightly tuned outward, just like a person riding a horse. Hands many be at elbow position, or on guard, with your head up and back straight.
