How to Assume The Front Stance In Soo Bahk Do

Soo Bahk Do is a form of martial arts developed by Master Hwang Kee in 1945. He combined fighting styles from his native Korea with Chinese Kung-Fu as well Confucian and Tao philosophies. The principals behind this Soo Bahk Do emphasize the importance of spiritual growth and the use of force only as a form of discipline or in the defense of oneself and others. Soo Bahk Do is broken down into a series of forms or postures which provide the artist with a series of possible attacks or defenses to choose from. One simply moves from form to form, reliant on reacting to an opponent’s stance and movement to attack. Though this technique is taught with the stern mindset that it is only be used to protect, it also ascribes to the philosophy that in order to effectively defend oneself or others it is sometimes necessary to take the initiative and actively remove a potential threat. For this reason the majority of the attacks in Soo Bahk Do are made up of powerful long range kicks, accompanied with close quarters locks and holds. Footwork is considered essential as the majority of the defensive moves rely on moving around an opponent's attacks rather than directly blocking them. Should getting around an opponent's strike not be an option, the hands are kept free for this very reason. This guide will provide the steps necessary to assume the Front Stance In Soo Bahk Do

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Practice Space
• Sparring Partner

Assuming The Front Stance

1. Face your opponent. Bring your feet to shoulder width and take a big step forward with your left foot. They should be about three feet apart; to do this comfortably you will have to sink down on your knees.

2. Put the majority of your weight on your left foot, though not all of it. You will feel tension in your left leg and thigh as the muscles take the weight and remain in a knee bend. Your right foot should be turned so that your toes point to your immediate right, while the toes of you left foot should point directly at your opponent. Now you’re in the Front Stance.

3. Move forward in this position by pushing off with your right foot and sweeping it along the floor in an inward arc. At the midpoint of the arc your right foot should brush against your left leg. Then the foot will turn back out to complete the arc with your right foot now in the forward position. Make sure to take a long step so that your keep yourself in a low crouch. By sweeping your foot forward in this stance you maintain your balance and keep both your feet on the ground at all times. This means if an opponent should strike when you step, you will have the option to push off with one of your feet to dodge to the side.

4. Move backward in this stance by reversing the order of movement in step 3.

Tips & Warnings

• These instructions are for a right hand/foot dominant person, if you’re a left dominant then switch the placement of the hands and feet. This is the most basic stance and the first you should learn in Soo Bahk Do. When you take a step in this stance, your head should not bob up any higher than when you are stationary in this stance. If it does then you need to try to sweep your foot in a greater arc rather than simply moving it forward.

Resources

• Video Instructions On The Front Stance

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