- Hachiji dachi
Nihongo|Hachiji dachi|八字立:はちじだち is a stance used in
karate . In English, "hachiji" roughly translates to "the character for eight," but in context means something more like "shaped like number eight." Note that this refers to the shape of the "kanji " for the number eight: 八, not thearabic numeral "8". Nihongo|"Dachi"|立:だち, the pronunciation of Nihongo|"tachi"|立:たち when the word is second in a compound, translates to "stance," referring specifically to the body's position from the waist down. The term "hachiji dachi" is frequently used interchangeably with Nihongo|"shizentai"|自然体：しぜんたい, or "shizentai dachi", which translates to "natural stance" (literally, 'natural body,' or 'natural body stance'). In most styles, "shizentai" is identical to hachiji dachi.Description
The following is consistent with the teachings of
shotokan karate. Different styles may vary slightly.In hachiji dachi, the feet are shoulder width apart, toes pointing forward. The karateka stands upright, facing straight forward. While in hachiji dachi, the "karateka" is usually in a "yoi" (ready) position.
The "yoi" position is a preparitory position that gives a clear starting point for execution of other techniques. The main version of "yoi" means the arms are slightly moved forward, with fists closed. The fists point slightly to the centre line and are roughly half a shoulder width apart. The elbows should be bent very slightly.
There are many variations to the movements leading to the "yoi" position. Note that some kata have very different "yoi" positions. The basic Shotokan "kata" all start at the stance and with the "yoi" position described above. Examples of basic "kata" are
Heian shodan ,Heian nidan andHeian sandan .Other "yoi" positions are found mostly in intermediate and advanced "kata".
ee also
*
Karate stances External links
* [http://www.shotojukukai.com/kata/kata.htm Kata videos. All basic kata begin with the "yoi" described]
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