A Half-Forward Stance, or Han Zenkutsu Dachi (han means “half”), is shorter than a full Forward Stance. It is sometimes called a “Short Stance. ” Some Karate styles will use the term Moto Dachi or they don’t have it at all. Keep all the following criteria in mind.
- Hips and shoulders are squared to the front.
- Front foot is pointed straight forward and is inline with the shoulder.
- Back foot is turned/pointed straight forward. Front and back big toes should be pointing along parallel lines. We sometimes call this “railroad tracks.”
- Front knee is bent directly over the ankle which makes the shin perpendicular to the floor.
- Back knee is locked straight.
- The width is one shoulder-width.
- The length is measured by bending your back ankle straight forward and placing the knee on the ground. Toes are bent. The front of the rear knee is even with the heel of the front foot (same perpendicular line).