The Silk Thread of Gorindo - Ottawa - Canada
Issue 13
Photo cover Claudio Iedwab sensei, November 2011, by Roxanne Standefer
Basic Stances
Neko-ashi-dachi
From parallel stance, heiko-dachi, move your left foot forward, in a very short step, placing the toes and the ball of the left foot on the floor with the heel up. Maintain a vertical line with the instep and the shin.
As you step, lift slightly and pivot the heel of the supporting right foot inside until the edge of the foot is in a 45 degree angle to the right. Lower the body and flex the right knee until the right hip is in a vertical plumb line with the right heel. The body weight is distributed 90% in the back leg and 10% to the forward foot so that it can be raised easily. Keep the knees in a vertical line with the toes, not inside. Observe that the left toes are in a straight line forward and back with the rear heel. Also if you were to put the left heel on the ground to check your positioning it should be a straight line across to where the right toes are.
Check body position by placing your hands on your hips above the obi, belt, with your elbows pointing out and it will help you to better visualize the direction of your hips and shoulders, ideally in a 45° angle.
The pelvis is tucked upward to free the lower back from unnecessary tension.
Common Corrections
• Stance too short in length with weight back and too high.
• Too much weight placed on the front foot.
Pay attention to the correct body weight distribution (90/10).
• Rear foot pointing too far outside (more than 45°) reducing the opportunity to rotate and control the hip motion. It can feel more stable but it could injure the hip, knee or ankle joints in case of sudden movement backward or forward.
• Rear knee outside or inside the vertical plumb line with toes.
• Rear hip outside of the vertical plumb line with the rear heel.
• Too much curve in the lower back, (buttocks sticking out) that will reduce mobility of the forward (kicking) leg.
• See ‘Some Advice About... Stances’ for general tips common to all stances.
by Claudio Iedwab & Roxanne Standefer
Originallly published in the Gorindo Student Manual and “The Secret Art of Health & Fitness – Uncovered from the Martial Arts Masters” by Claudio Iedwab & Roxanne Standefer
©2011 Photo by Roxanne Standefer / Illustrations by Claudio Iedwab
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