Shizentai / Heiko-dachi

自然体 / 平行立ち

Natural, relaxed standing posture with feet parallel shoulder-width apart.

Quick Facts

CategoryConcept / Principle

Pronunciation/[shee-zen-tye] / [hay-koh dah-chee]/

Alternative NamesNatural body position, Parallel stance

Definition

Shizentai ('natural body position') is the unforced, alert state of standing readiness. As Heiko-dachi (parallel stance), it serves as the neutral starting and ending protocol position for Kata and Kihon drills.

Related Terms

Kamae構え

Physical guard posture and mental state of combative readiness.

Kata型 / 形

Codified sequence of martial movements representing defense and attack against imaginary foes.

Kihon基本

Repetitive practice of foundational techniques (blocks, strikes, kicks, stances) forming Budo's core.

Associated Martial Arts

Tomari-te Satojuku Karate Takamura Shindo Yoshin-ryu Shorinji Ryu Renshinkan Enshin Karate Tenjin Shin-ryu Jujutsu Yoseikan Aikido Shorinji-ryu Kenkokan Seiwakai Goju-ryu Jikishin-ryu Jujutsu Iwama Ryu Kosen Judo Kawaishi Judo Yoshinkan Aikido Gensei-ryu Tomiki Aikido Chito-ryu Karate Shito-ryu Motobu-ryu Karate Ashihara Karate Byakuren Kaikan Shorei-ryu Uechi-ryu Asayama Ichiden-ryu Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu Jujutsu Shotokan Kyushin-ryu Jujutsu Matsubayashi-ryu Takagi-ryu Jujutsu Shorin-ryu Shidokan Shorin-ryu Seibukan Isshin-ryu Karate Kendo Chokushin-ryu Jujutsu Shindo Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu Unkei-ryu Jujutsu Seidokaikan Karate Shorin-ryu Sekiguchi-ryu Jujutsu Hontai Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu Kito-ryu Shuri-te Meibukan Goju-ryu Shorin-ryu Kyudokan Jundokan Goju-ryu Shinno Shinto-ryu Jujutsu Six Harmonies Praying Mantis (Liuhe Tanglangquan)Kyokushin Budokai Real Aikido Naha-te Shibukawa-ryu Jujutsu Shorin-ryu Shorinkan