Core stances used in Taekwondo, covering both poomsae (forms) and sparring.
Charyeot Seogi — Attention Stance
Heels together, toes angled slightly outward, arms straight at the sides. Used at the start and end of class and when called to attention by the instructor.
Moa Seogi — Closed Foot Stance
Feet fully together, weight evenly distributed. Appears at the beginning and end of certain poomsae.
Narani Seogi — Parallel Stance
Feet shoulder width apart, toes pointing forward, knees slightly bent. The ready position (Joonbi) used throughout poomsae. Weight is centred and evenly distributed.
Ap Seogi — Walking Stance
One foot forward, feet roughly shoulder width apart front to back. Shorter and higher than Gunnun Seogi. Primarily a transitional stance used when stepping between techniques in poomsae.
Gunnun Seogi — Front Stance
Long, low stance with the front knee bent deep over the toes and the back leg fully extended. Weight sits about 70% on the front leg. Used for powerful forward strikes and blocks.
Niunja Seogi — L Stance
Feet form an L shape — front foot pointing forward, rear foot pointing 90° to the side. About 70% of weight on the rear leg. A defensive stance that also allows fast front leg kicks due to the reduced weight on the lead foot.
Annun Seogi — Sitting Stance
Feet wider than shoulder width, toes forward, knees bent outward, weight low and evenly distributed. Equivalent to a horse stance. Used in poomsae for knife hand techniques and low blocks.
Dwitbal Seogi — Rear Foot Stance
Around 90% of weight on the rear leg, front foot resting lightly on the ball. Also called cat stance. The unweighted front foot allows immediate kicking without a weight shift. Used both defensively and as a pre kick position.
Others
- Beom Seogi (Tiger Stance) — Similar to Dwitbal Seogi but with the front foot raised higher on the ball and weight further back. Appears in some Taegeuk patterns.
- Hakdari Seogi (One Leg Stance) — Standing on one leg with the opposite knee raised. Tests and develops balance.
- Gyeorugi Jaseyo (Sparring Stance) — Fighting stance used in free sparring. Hands up, rear weighted, front leg light for kicking. Less standardised than poomsae stances.
Sources
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