Fighting Posture and Stances
There are three basic fixed stances. The guard stance , known as the Seven Stars posture in Taijiquan, is the fundamental defensive posture used before any fighting has begun. This basic posture provides the facility to defend from any type of attack with the smallest possible movement The parallel stance, or horse riding stance, and the front stance are used in grappling and throwing where stability is paramount. All other stances are transitional and are never held. Posture and stability (Rooting) are trained in the Tao Lu (Forms training) and the Nei Gung (Internal Strength) training.
The stance in the form is more upright than is used in free fighting. The mobility must be greater and ease of movement in attack and defence must be smooth and quick.
Defence With Minimal Action | |
Maintaining the guard position enables defence both high and low with the minimum movement. |
The Taijiquan basic guard is the seven stars posture as demonstrated by the man on the left with the hands guarding the centreline and centrally positioned so that both the upper and lower body can be protected with the minimum of movement. The weight here is on the front leg allowing an immediate kick from the rear leg if the opponent chooses to rush in. It is important that the weight is either on one leg or the other so that no time is lost in shifting weight before movement can occur.
The high guard is used by a lot of people who think they are protecting the head. This leaves the body open and makes it difficult to defend against mid-level kicks. It also can restrict the vision making it difficult to see low level kicks to the thighs or ankles and also takes a lot longer to deal with lower attacks as the hands are not centrally positioned. This is fine when attacks are not allowed below the waist but disasterous otherwise.
It is important that the basic guard stance is firm but ready to move. The legs will be bent ready to spring into action. The weight should be mainly on one leg so that there will be stability within the movement.
There must also be the ability to defend against low level attacks using the legs themselves.
Stances
Stances in the grappling phase need to be a lot stronger otherwise you will be easily pushed off the platform or taken down.
Weak Stance | |
The stance must be strong to be able to withstand extreme pressure. Any weakness will will be exploited by your opponent. |
At the same time the stances need to be mobile and flexible.
Mobile and Strong Stance | |
If stances are weak and lack mobility then you will be easily knocked over |
If you do not have the strength then you must have the mobility.
Mobile Stance | |
Sensitivity of the upper body needs to coordinate with mobility of the lower body. If you can move well then you can avoid all attacks but if you are leaden footed with poor balance then you will be easily caught out. |
