All opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Waboku Jujitsu Group, its members or lackeys.
While we often practice stance as a static, non-moving entity, it
is more correct to think of a particular stance as the end-point in a movement.
While practicing stance statically is good because it teaches your body
the position of a particular stance and develops muscular strength, it
is the act of getting to that stance that is most important. In other words,
it is the process of moving into a stance that creates power, allowing
us to move in a balanced fashion, and integrating hip and waist movement
with other movements.
You will find that this applies to all waza. In atemi waza you will generate much more power in a block, kick, or punch if you time your atemi waza to when you "lock" into a stance. However, even if you move into a picture perfect stance, if you move with bad balance or poor movement, your technique will be less than optimal. In the case of grappling techniques, this idea about stance also is important. If you move into a stance while remaining centered and balanced, you will use much less arm strength and much more of your body strength. In reality, the stance itself (i.e. the endpoint) almost becomes superfluous because the act of approaching the "picture perfect" stance is the motive force for the technique.
In all your waza, it is important to let your movement from stance to stance be the force that moves your technique. By doing this and following the other concepts basic to all techniques (such as proper timing, keeping your balance centered, being relaxed, breathing from the hara, etc.) you will generate an effective and powerful movement from which to launch your technique. These movements need to be natural and fluid, not locked into style or dogma; they need to be relaxed, efficient, and fluid to be powerful and effective.
Another aspect of stance that is often ignored is the naturalness of the movement. There are several aspects to this. First, make the movement as pristine as possible. There's no need to add "bells and whistles" to it since these inevitably are a waste of effort. Second, let the stance "choose" itself in a particular situation rather than you forcing a stance to do something it's not good for. In other words, when in a confrontational situation, do what your body wants (after all this is why you train it) rather than intellecualizing the situation and trying to use a stance you think you should you use. Finally, always strive to move with balance and power whether or not you're in a confrontation. As Musashi Miyamoto wrote:
In all forms of strategy, it is necessary to maintain the combat stance in everyday life and make your everyday stance your combat stance. You must research this well. (p. 54, A Book of Five Rings, The Overlook Press, 1974).
As I often tell my students: Relax. Breathe. This will help in integrating
stance into your techniques.Throughout your lives, move with poise, balance,
and power and both your martial techniques and your interactions with the
world will be more powerful.
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