Stances
Study the names and meanings of Ju Jitsu stances and positions.
- Hanmi kamae
A half-body guard stance. The body is turned approximately 45° to the opponent, presenting a smaller target. Weight is evenly distributed, knees slightly bent, and hands raised in…
- Hanmi shizentai
A natural half-body stance. A relaxed, natural standing position with the body turned half sideways. Feet are approximately shoulder-width apart in a slight stagger. Less combative…
- Heisoku dachi
Closed foot stance. Both feet are placed together with heels and toes touching. An upright, formal position of attention. Used as a starting or finishing position and in formal…
- Hidari / Migi
Left and right. These directional terms are used to indicate which side a technique is performed on, which foot leads, or which hand grips. In the picture above, Tori stands in…
- Kiba dachi
Horse stance / straddle stance. The feet are placed wide apart and parallel, with the knees bent deeply and the weight centered low between the legs. A strong, stable stance used…
- Ko kutsi dachi
Small opening stance. The heel of the back foot is in line with the front foot, with most of the weight on the back foot, and the knee slightly bent. A light, mobile stance that…
- Kumi kata
Gripping posture / grip. The standard two-handed grip used in Judo and Jujitsu. One hand grips the lapel (collar) of Uke's gi near the chest, the other grips the sleeve at the…
- Neko ashi dachi
Cat foot stance. About 90% of the body weight rests on the bent rear leg, while the front foot touches the ground lightly on the ball, ready to kick or step. Mimics the light,…
- Shiko dachi
Sumo or straddle stance. Feet are placed wide apart (roughly twice shoulder-width), toes pointing outward at 45°, and knees bent deeply outward over the toes. Provides a very low,…
- Zen kutsu dachi
Forward leaning stance. A long, deep front stance where approximately 70% of the weight is on the bent front leg and 30% on the straight rear leg. The front knee is directly above…