De-Mystifying the Stance

A stance is a simple transfer of weight or movement of the body which allows you to set up for the next offensive or defensive move. Many novices have the habit of executing a stance which is too wide for their body. Here, in America, students will even argue with an instructor on what they believe is the correct stance for them. Many with only a fraction of martial arts experience will try to incorporate previously learned training techniques into newly selected styles and call it eclectic. This is great. Do whatever works for you. Incorporate any stance or technique you want. Especially the fancy and grandiose ones that allow you to feel superior with puffed chest and rigid forearms clenching the sword with all one's might.

But, beware and don't get discouraged, because you can't get out of the way nor hit your target with conviction and accuracy. Inside you may have the feeling of invincibility while on the outside the seasoned sword master will see a simple target easily defeated through poor judgments caused by the inadequate and unpolished stance, which cannot take you through the movements without telegraphing. Most of all you will become injured. Speed plus wide stance will promote injuries and pulled muscles bringing any warrior down to the ground.

Now, on the serious side reconsider your stance and put your feet closer together almost like you are going to walk into battle. Remember, you have a weapon and it needs the correct stance underneath it. The longer the sword, the closer together your feet must be enabling you to be 100 percent effective in the heat of battle. Anything else is posing for pictures.