Horse stance
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Horse stance, also called "mǎbù" (馬步) in Chinese, "kiba-dachi" (騎馬立ち?) in Japanese, and "kuda kuda" in Indonesian, is an important posture in martial arts and takes its name from the position assumed when riding a horse. This stance can not only be integrated into fighting, but can also be used during exercises and forms.
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[edit] Chinese martial arts
Several kung fu training methods have students stand in mabu, while performing the required tasks or exercises. Mabu is used for endurance training as well as strengthening the back and leg muscles, tendon strength, and overall feeling and understanding of "feeling grounded".
[edit] Northern Shaolin
In Northern Chinese martial arts (Shaolin), the distance between the feet is measured by placing a fist and the lower leg on the ground. A relatively narrow posture was assumed for the horse riding stance.
The ideal Horse Stance in most Northern Chinese Martial Arts (such as Mizongquan, MyJhongLawHorn and JiaMen/Chaquan) will have the feet pointed forward, thighs parallel to the floor, with the buttocks pushed out, and the back "arched up" to keep the upper body from leaning forward. The emphasis on this latter point will vary from school to school, as some schools of Long Fist, such as Tai Tzu and Bajiquan will opt for the hips forward, with the buttocks "tucked in."
[edit] Southern Shaolin
In Southern Chinese martial arts (Shaolin), a wide horse riding stance is assumed as if riding a horse. The reason for this is that Southern Chinese martial arts were designed to be used whilst fighting on boats and barges. The wide posture was created for greater stability in such conditions. The Horse Stance in Southern Chinese arts is commonly done with the thighs parallel to the ground and the toes pointing forward or angled slightly out.
While most Southern Chinese styles (such as Hung Gar) are known for their deep and wide Horse Stance, other forms such as Wing Chun have a narrower, higher horse stance, with the feet almost pigeon-toed.
[edit] Japanese martial arts
In the Japanese martial arts, horse stance (kiba-dachi) is substantially similar to the versions practiced in Chinese and Korean martial arts. There are many minor variations between individual schools, including the distance between the feet, and the height of the stance. One constant feature is that the feet must be parallel to each other.
Note that horse stance differs from straddle stance (四股立ち shiko-dachi?), widely used in sumo, in which the feet point outward at 45 degrees rather than being parallel.
[edit] Korean martial arts
In such Korean martial arts as Taekwondo, horse stance is known as "sitting stance" (juchum nogi or annun nogi) and is one of the main stances. In classes, it is most commonly used to practice punches.
