Tsuru-ashi-dachi / Crane Stance
鶴足立ち
One-legged stance mimicking a crane, used for balance, evasion, and kick preparation in Karate.
Quick Facts
CategoryConcept / Principle
Pronunciation/[tsoo-roo ah-shee dah-chee]/
Alternative NamesCrane stance, One-legged stance
Definition
Tsuru-ashi-dachi ('crane leg stance') balances all weight on a single flexed leg while the opposite foot hooks behind or against the supporting knee. Found in kata like Gankaku and Rohai, it builds high-level balance and explosive kicking capabilities.
Related Terms
Ashi足
Foot or leg in Japanese martial terminology.
Zenkutsu-dachi前屈立ちFundamental forward stance with 60% body weight on the bent front leg in Karate.
Kokutsu-dachi後屈立ちDefensive posture in Karate with 70% of body weight placed on the flexed rear leg.
Kiba-dachi騎馬立ちWide side-facing stance resembling riding a horse with parallel feet.