How to Stand for Koden Kan Martial Arts

Koden kan karate is a form of martial arts developed by Michael Foley over the last 25 years. Focusing on hand to hand combat training, koden kan karate is a complex mix of many martial arts styles, including shoto kan, judo, aikido and more. As with any form of martial arts, mastering the basic stances is one of the first and most important parts of your training.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Enter kibadachi, the first basic koden kan karate stance by spreading your legs about 3 feet apart. Your toes should be pointed straight ahead as you drop your buttocks slightly, bending deep into the knees. Keep your back straight throughout the posture. You can hold this stance for extended periods to strengthen your legs and hips and center the mind.

2. Begin zenkutsu, the second basic koden kan karate stance by spreading your feet about hip width apart and then stepping back about 3 feet with your dominant leg. Your back foot should be very slightly turned out while your front foot points straight ahead. Keep your back leg straight as you lean forward into the stance, bending your front knee. Make sure that throughout the stance you feel as if your back leg and hips are projecting you forward.

3. Reverse zenkutsu, practicing for an equal amount of time with the opposite leg extended behind you. Again, practice holding this stance in order to strengthen the legs and mind.

4. Use these two stances to begin the majority of koden kan karate moves. The hand positions have not been emphasized, as they will vary depend on the move you will transition to.