Traditional Karate Defensive Stances

Spring Attack

Suppose you're arguing with somebody. He/she may be bigger, taller, stronger than you.

Naturally, when the verbal dispute becomes red-hot, tempers flare.

Your opponent feels superior, confident, cocksure.

As you stand there defending your rights, you must also anticipate his moves and assume your Spring Attack Stance.

You pretend you are merely holding your fingers, but you are poised like a tiger for surprise attacks from any direction.

Your striking arm is held stiff and your other hand grasps the fingers of the striking hand.

As you pull back with the second hand, you force the striking hand to snap forward.

This is like a coil spring being released.

It produces devastating effects!

Smash Attack Stance

You stand erect, turn to the side to give him a smaller target.

You form the "T" position.

You raise your right arm.

Your entire body is ready to defend any surprise attack.

You can slash with the hand, thrust upward with the knee, follow through with the clenched fist.

In short, you can flail away in any direction.

Double Knife Stance

Bend your knees slightly to give you leverage and balance.

Keep both arms straight up at the elbow, palms facing each other, but about 6 or 7 inches apart.

In this stance you can zoom your blows straight ahead, sidewards, down both hands at a time in a double-barreled attack!

Side Knife Defense

Bend knees slightly to give you proper balance and leverage.

Raise both arms in a horizontal position, about 6 or 7 inches apart.

This is an excellent defense, since you can block blows directed to your head with one hand, and parry blows aimed at your mid-section with the other hand.

Body Shifting

In addition to stance and posture, body shifting comprises an important phase of Karate.

There are various forms of body shifting, each is primarily designed to throw your adversary off balance, to thwart his blows, reduce his target, surprise, con­fuse and befuddle him.

Side Shift

Your right foot is forward and your left is planted firmly to the rear.

You quickly shift posi­tion.

Snap your right leg back and your left leg moves forward.

Remember to keep the moving leg close to the inside to avoid exposing the groin to a blow.

Turnabout Shift

Move your rear foot sideways and pivot on the balls of the feet.

You have accomplished a full 180° turn.

The Turnabout Shift very often befuddles an opponent and throws him off stride.

You can then plunge into the offense.

Cross Over Shift

You cross your right foot over the left quickly and then assume your fighting position.