Classification¶
This section gathers terminology, naming, and systematic classification of the stances in Kyokushin karate.
The purpose is to create a unified and useful structure for the library, so that the stances are named consistently and understood both as technical forms and as parts of a larger system.
The classification in this section is internal to the library and pedagogical. It does not replace traditional Japanese names, but organizes them so that they become clear in teaching, documentation, and the continued expansion of the material.
Basic principle¶
Each stance should be given with three levels of naming:
1. Japanese name¶
The established karate term, written in romaji.
2. English designation¶
A consistent English designation that explains the basic character of the stance.
3. Functional class¶
The group to which the stance belongs within the system, for example neutral, symmetrical, forward-oriented, or specialized.
This allows the same stance to be understood both linguistically and technically.
Principle for naming in the library¶
In the library, the following order should be used:
Romaji as the main name
Japanese characters when they are established
English designation as an explanatory translation or working name
Example:
Sanchin-dachi (三戦立ち)
Sanchin stance
or
Zenkutsu-dachi (前屈立ち)
Forward-leaning stance
The Japanese name should be normative, while the English designation should help the reader understand the function without replacing the original term.
On English designations¶
English designations should be:
- consistent
- technically clear
- as close to the function as possible
- free from unnecessarily loose interpretations
They should not try to be poetic or overly vague. Their task is to support understanding.
Examples of suitable types of English designations:
- natural stance
- open basic stance
- forward-leaning stance
- backward-leaning stance
- cat stance
- horse-riding stance
When an English term risks becoming misleading, romaji should be given greater weight.
On English equivalents in the sources¶
In Oyama’s English-language works, established English terms often appear, such as:
- normal stance
- open-toes stance
- forward leaning stance
- back leaning stance
- straddle stance
- cat stance
- crane stance
These are useful as historical and source-close references. In this English version of the library, however, the primary structure should still be based on Japanese terms supported by clear English explanation.
These expressions may therefore be used:
- as support in source comparison
- as a note in comments
- as secondary terminology
but not as the sole governing names if the broader library structure is based on Japanese terminology.
Recommended classification model¶
For the purposes of the library, it is recommended that the stances be classified into five main groups:
1. Neutral basic stances¶
Stances for starting position, order, simple structure, and basic readiness.
2. Symmetrical stable stances¶
Stances in which the body is carried relatively evenly and where the focus lies on stability, leg strength, and centered structure.
3. Directed main stances¶
Stances in which the body is clearly organized forward, backward, or centrally for technique.
4. Balance and special stances¶
Stances that require particular balance, unloading, or specialized body control.
5. Transitional and variant stances¶
Stances that function as intermediate forms, special variants, or less central basic stances.
This model is sufficiently clear for teaching and sufficiently flexible for future expansion.
Classification of the central stances¶
1. Neutral basic stances¶
Heisoku-dachi¶
English designation: closed basic stance / natural closed stance
Functional class: neutral basic stance
Musubi-dachi¶
English designation: open-toe stance / open basic stance
Functional class: neutral basic stance
Heiko-dachi¶
English designation: parallel stance
Functional class: neutral basic stance
Uchihachiji-dachi¶
English designation: inward-angled open stance / pigeon-toed stance
Functional class: neutral basic stance
Fudō-dachi / Yoi-dachi¶
English designation: stable ready stance / ready stance
Functional class: neutral basic stance
2. Symmetrical stable stances¶
Shiko-dachi¶
English designation: sumo stance
Functional class: symmetrical stable stance
Kiba-dachi¶
English designation: horse-riding stance
Functional class: symmetrical stable stance
3. Directed main stances¶
Zenkutsu-dachi¶
English designation: forward-leaning stance / forward stance
Functional class: forward-directed main stance
Kokutsu-dachi¶
English designation: backward-leaning stance / back stance
Functional class: rear-weighted main stance
Sanchin-dachi¶
English designation: sanchin stance
Functional class: centered power stance / main stance
Nekoashi-dachi¶
English designation: cat stance
Functional class: rear-weighted main stance
4. Balance and special stances¶
Tsuruashi-dachi¶
English designation: crane stance
Functional class: balance stance
Kake-dachi¶
English designation: hooked stance / crossed stance
Functional class: special stance
5. Transitional and variant stances¶
Moroashi-dachi¶
English designation: one-foot-forward stance / short forward stance
Functional class: variant or transitional stance
Primary and secondary stances¶
For the library’s internal structure, it is useful to distinguish between primary and secondary stances.
Primary stances¶
These form the core of the system and should be prioritized in teaching and documentation.
- Heisoku-dachi
- Musubi-dachi
- Heiko-dachi
- Fudō-dachi
- Shiko-dachi
- Kiba-dachi
- Zenkutsu-dachi
- Kokutsu-dachi
- Sanchin-dachi
- Nekoashi-dachi
Secondary stances¶
These are important but more specialized, less central, or more dependent on kata and specific contexts.
- Uchihachiji-dachi
- Kake-dachi
- Tsuruashi-dachi
- Moroashi-dachi
This division helps create progression.
Formal classification versus functional classification¶
A stance can be classified in at least two ways:
Formal classification¶
How it looks structurally.
Examples: - symmetrical - asymmetrical - high - low - one-legged stance
Functional classification¶
What it is used for.
Examples: - basic stance - power stance - kicking readiness - balance stance - transitional stance
Both classifications are needed, since the same stance may be simple formally but important functionally.
Recommended standard per stance page¶
For consistency, each individual stance page should include the following:
Name¶
- Japanese characters
- romaji
- English designation
Classification¶
- main group
- possible subgroup
Alternative names¶
- English source names
- older or parallel names where relevant
Comment¶
- if the terminology varies between works or dojo usage
This makes it possible to keep the entire section linguistically consistent.
Recommended main names in the library¶
The following main names are recommended in the library menu and file structure:
- Heisoku-dachi
- Musubi-dachi
- Heiko-dachi
- Uchihachiji-dachi
- Fudō-dachi
- Shiko-dachi
- Kiba-dachi
- Zenkutsu-dachi
- Kokutsu-dachi
- Sanchin-dachi
- Nekoashi-dachi
- Kake-dachi
- Tsuruashi-dachi
- Moroashi-dachi
These should remain fixed even if alternative translations are discussed in the body text.
Summary table¶
| Romaji | English designation | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Heisoku-dachi | closed basic stance | neutral basic stance |
| Musubi-dachi | open basic stance | neutral basic stance |
| Heiko-dachi | parallel stance | neutral basic stance |
| Uchihachiji-dachi | inward-angled open stance | neutral basic stance |
| Fudō-dachi | ready stance | neutral basic stance |
| Shiko-dachi | sumo stance | symmetrical stable stance |
| Kiba-dachi | horse-riding stance | symmetrical stable stance |
| Zenkutsu-dachi | forward-leaning stance | forward-directed main stance |
| Kokutsu-dachi | backward-leaning stance | rear-weighted main stance |
| Sanchin-dachi | sanchin stance | centered power stance |
| Nekoashi-dachi | cat stance | rear-weighted main stance |
| Kake-dachi | hooked stance | special stance |
| Tsuruashi-dachi | crane stance | balance stance |
| Moroashi-dachi | one-foot-forward stance | variant or transitional stance |
Comment¶
The purpose of the classification is not to simplify away the differences between the stances, but to make them clear.
When terminology, grouping, and main names are kept consistent, the entire dachi section becomes easier to expand, teach from, and use as technical reference material.