Hangetsu-dachi / Half-Moon Stance
半月立ち
Semi-wide, tensioned stance with knees pressed inward and feet slightly turned inward.
Quick Facts
CategoryConcept / Principle
Pronunciation/[hahn-geh-tsoo dah-chee]/
Alternative NamesHalf-moon stance, Crescent stance
Definition
Hangetsu-dachi ('half-moon stance') fuses the length of Zenkutsu-dachi with the inward tension of Sanchin-dachi. Stepping forward follows an arcuate crescent trajectory, developing deep abdominal breathing and leg isometric endurance.
Related Terms
Sanchin-dachi三戦立ち
Rooted, tensioned stance with toes turned inward, central to Naha-te and Goju-ryu Karate.
Zenkutsu-dachi前屈立ちFundamental forward stance with 60% body weight on the bent front leg in Karate.
Kata型 / 形Codified sequence of martial movements representing defense and attack against imaginary foes.