Zenkutsu-dachi

前屈立ち

Fundamental forward stance with 60% body weight on the bent front leg in Karate.

Quick Facts

CategoryConcept / Principle

Pronunciation/[zen-koo-tsoo dah-chee]/

Alternative NamesFront stance, Forward leaning stance

Definition

Zenkutsu-dachi is the cornerstone offensive posture in Karate. The front knee flexes over the ankle while the rear leg locks straight with foot rooted at 45 degrees, transferring maximum driving power forward.

Related Terms

Sanchin-dachi三戦立ち

Rooted, tensioned stance with toes turned inward, central to Naha-te and Goju-ryu 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.

Associated Martial Arts

Takamura Shindo Yoshin-ryu Tenjin Shin-ryu Jujutsu Jikishin-ryu Jujutsu Byakuren Kaikan Asayama Ichiden-ryu Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu Jujutsu Shotokan Kyushin-ryu Jujutsu Takagi-ryu Jujutsu Chokushin-ryu Jujutsu Shindo Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu Unkei-ryu Jujutsu Seidokaikan Karate Sekiguchi-ryu Jujutsu Hontai Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu Jundokan Goju-ryu Shinno Shinto-ryu Jujutsu Kyokushin Budokai Shibukawa-ryu Jujutsu