Combat pit official logo black
Back to Glossary
Home
Search
Martial Arts Culture and History
Gear and Equipment
Personalities
Skill Development
Mind and Body Connection
Weapons and Traditional Tools
Martial arts map
Complete blog posts directory
Contact

Horse Stance

What is Horse Stance?

The Horse Stance, also known as "Kiba Dachi" in Japanese, is a fundamental stance used in many martial arts, including American Kenpo. It is characterized by its wide, stable posture, which provides a strong base for various techniques and exercises. Here are the key elements of the Horse Stance:

  1. Foot Position: The feet are positioned wider than shoulder-width apart, with the toes pointing straight ahead or slightly outward.
  2. Weight Distribution: The weight is evenly distributed between both legs, ensuring stability and balance.
  3. Knee Position: The knees are bent deeply, positioned directly over the feet. The thighs should be parallel to the ground, or as low as comfortably possible, to create a strong, grounded base.
  4. Body Alignment: The torso remains upright, with the back straight and the hips tucked slightly forward. This alignment helps maintain balance and proper posture.
  5. Hands and Guard: The hands can be held in various positions depending on the specific martial art or exercise. Common positions include resting on the hips, held in a guard position, or extended in front of the body.

The Horse Stance is useful for several reasons:

  • Strength and Endurance: Holding the stance builds leg strength, endurance, and overall lower body stability.
  • Balance: The wide base provides excellent stability, making it difficult to be unbalanced by an opponent.
  • Training: It is often used in training to improve posture, alignment, and the ability to generate power from a grounded position.
  • Technique Execution: The stance provides a solid foundation for executing various techniques, including strikes, blocks, and throws.

In American Kenpo, the Horse Stance is frequently used in forms (katas), drills, and self-defense techniques. It helps practitioners develop strong legs, good posture, and the ability to maintain stability while performing movements. This stance is fundamental in many martial arts and serves as a key training tool for building strength, balance, and proper technique.

Related Article: American Kenpo: The Modern Martial Art with American Roots

One becomes a beginner after 1000 days of training. One becomes a master after 10,000 days of practice.
Mas Oyama

Check out the latest blogs

See all articles

Other Glossary terms

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Mushin
Mushin, often translated as "no-mind," is a crucial concept in martial arts. It refers to a state of mental clarity and heightened awareness where the practitioner acts without conscious thought or emotion.
M
Jailhouse Rock
Jailhouse Rock, also known as 52 Hand Blocks or simply 52 Blocks, is a unique and somewhat enigmatic form of African-American martial arts that is said to have originated in the penal system of the United States.
J
Tsukebito
A tsukebito is an apprentice or personal attendant to a higher-ranking sumo wrestler, typically a sekitori (a wrestler in the top two divisions: makuuchi and jūryō).
T
Meipayattu
Meipayattu, also known as "Mei Payattu" or "Mei Payatt," is a fundamental component of Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art form from Kerala, India.
M
Taihojutsu
Taihojutsu, also spelled Taiho-jutsu, is a Japanese martial art specifically developed for law enforcement and self-defense.
T
Systema
Systema is a Russian martial art that emphasizes natural movement, relaxation, and adaptability.
S
Bartitsu
Bartitsu is a martial art and self-defense system that was developed in England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
B
Tatami
Tatami are traditional Japanese mats made from woven rush straw, often used in homes, temples, and other cultural spaces. Nowadays they are widely used in martial arts dojos.
T
Russian Fistfighting
Russian Fistfighting, also known as "Kulachniye Boyi" (Кулачные бои), is a traditional form of bare-knuckle fighting that has deep roots in Russian culture and history.
R
Kendogi
A kendogi, also known simply as a keikogi or gi, is the traditional training uniform worn by practitioners of Kendo.
K
Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu is a traditional martial art form originating from Kerala, a state in southern India. It is considered one of the oldest fighting systems in existence, with roots that can be traced back over 3,000 years.
K
Horse Stance
The Horse Stance, also known as "Kiba Dachi" in Japanese, is a fundamental stance used in many martial arts, including American Kenpo.
H
Suspension Trainers
Suspension trainers are versatile pieces of fitness equipment that use body weight and gravity to provide a full-body workout.
S
Lohan Hands
Lohan Hands, also known as "Luohan Hands" or "Arhat Hands," is a term associated with a set of exercises or forms in traditional Chinese martial arts and Qigong, particularly within the Shaolin tradition.
L
Yoroi
Yoroi refers to the traditional armor worn by samurai warriors in feudal Japan.
Y
No Items Found