Basic Stances in Arnis
The first stance is called the “Attention Stance” and it is commonly used when standing at
ease during training or tournaments. So, what we are going to do is we are going to stand with our
feet apart in a 45-degree angle, parallel to our shoulders with both of our toes pointing forward
and our knees straight. So, our waist and body should be facing forward, while our hands should
be holding the stick on both sides on the waist level.
The second stance is called the “Forward Stance” and it is commonly used with frontal
striking or blocking techniques. From the attention stance earlier, we are going to move one foot
forward until our knee and toe are in line to each other. It can either be a Right Foot Forward
Stance or a Left Foot Forward Stance depending on which your dominant foot is. So, both of our
toes are pointing in front, our waist and our body is again facing forward.
The third stance is called the “Oblique Stance” and it is commonly used for forward
blocking and evasion techniques. Starting again with the attention stance, we are going to move
one foot forward 45 degrees away from the body until our knee and toe are in line to each other.
We are also going to move 45 degrees forward on the same direction as our lead foot. Just like the
Forward Stance, Oblique Stance can either be Right Foot Oblique Stance or Left Foot Oblique
Stance depending again on which your dominant foot is. So, both of our toes are pointing in front,
our waist and body facing forward.
The fourth stance is called “Side Stance” and it is commonly used for strike deflection and
evasion techniques. Again, starting with the attention stance, we are going to move one foot about
two feet to the left or right. Just like the last two stances, it can either be a Left Foot Side Stance
or a Right Foot Side Stance depending on which your dominant foot is. Our moving foot will be
perpendicular to the ground while the other leg is extended. Both of our toes are pointing in front,
our waist and body is facing forward.
The fifth stance is called “Straddle Stance” or “Horseback Riding Stance” since it mimics
the position when riding on a horse and it is commonly used for blocking the strikes to the side of
the body. Starting again with the attention stance, we are going to move one foot about two feet to
the left or the right direction until both of our lower legs are almost perpendicular to the ground.
Both toes are again pointing in front, our waist and body facing forward.
Lastly, the “Back Stance”. It is commonly used for blocking and backward evasion
techniques and again, it can be Right Foot Back Stance or Left Foot Back Stance, depending on
which your dominant foot is. Starting with the attention stance, we are going to move one foot
backward 45 degrees away from the body. The heels of our foot should form an imaginary “L”
shape while the legs are in a straddle position.
Reminder:
In all the stances, except the Attention Stance, take note that our body should not be too
low or the lead foot too extended and we have to distribute our weight to both our legs so that it
will not be hard for us to move or maneuver.