Cat stance

Neko-ashi-dachi (literally: “cat’s foot stance”) is a transitional movement. Do not remain in cat stance for any prolonged time. However, any time you move your feet to transition from one stance to another, there will be a brief moment spent in a cat stance.

[video stepping from one front stance to another from the side; then a slow-motion version of this which highlights the moment when your enter cat stance.]

In a proper cat stance, 90% of the bodyweight is on the rear supporting leg. The rear foot is pointed outward at 45°. The rear knee is slightly bent. The front toes point straightforward, one shoulder-width away from the rear leg. Only the toes and the ball of the front foot make contact with the ground; the heel is raised, so that the instep is flush with the shin. Only 10% of the bodyweight is on the front foot -- just enough to maintain your balance.

Phrased differently, stand in a ready stance, and shift your weight to one side. Make a one-eighth turn to the other side, raise that heel, and sink.

Unlike other karate styles, the Goshin-Jutsu cat stance does not use a “T”-shaped foot placement. The “T”-cat stance unnecessarily twists the knee, hindering mobility and places unnecessary stresses on this critical joint.

[photo of cat stance from the front and side.]

When performed correctly, cat stance will make the quadriceps feel like they are on fire especially for tall or lanky individuals. If you feel no discomfort, then your stance is obviously too high, and you need to lower your center until you feel the burn. Leg power is the driving force behind all karate techniques, and this is achieved by not raising you center when transitioning from one stance to another. Bobbing up and down as you step robs the power from your techniques by converting the leg’s energy into worthless vertical motion, instead of driving it all into your opponent.

Extended cat stance

Palceholder

Inverted cat stance

One common transition executed from cat stance is an inverted cat stance. From a cat stance, simultaneously lower one heel and raise the other. This sneaky move allows one to switch leading sides without any upper body motion! With this, you can deceive an opponent by suddenly moving in any direction.

[video of inverting cat stance]