A generic combat stance is not similar to the fence posture, other than being tighter and more obviously combat-orientated. Hands can be closed as fists or kept open to grab – whichever is natural to you will suffice. Weight is normally on the balls of your feet, allowing you to move quickly and lightly.
Weight is normally on the balls of your feet, allowing you to move quickly and lightly.
The ‘Shuffle’
Use a ‘shuffle’ to move in a combat stance. Whichever foot is nearest the direction you want to go moves in that direction and the other pushes, then is brought up to put you back in your combat stance.
A good stance provides a firm base to strike from, but still retains good mobility.
A typical combat stance has the following characteristics:
• Strong side back, weak side forward (i.e. left hand forward if you are right-handed)
• Feet about shoulder width apart
• Feet turned in and knees slightly flexed
• Chin down to protect the jaw
• Elbows in to protect the ribs, hands fairly high to protect the head