Goju-Ryu Stance – Sanchin Dachi

Goju-Ryu Sanchin Dachi (Hourglass Stance)

This page provides details for the Goju-Ryu Sanchin Dachi or Hourglass Stance. This is a common stance used in Goju-Ryu katas. This stance is also known as the Pidgeon Toe Stance.

For instructions on other stances, please visit the main Goju-Ryu Stances section.

Instructions for Stance

  • The feet are shoulder width apart, where the toes of one foot is inline with the heel of the other.
  • Typically the feet are turned in at roughly a 45 degree angle, with the knees slightly bent, and the hips pushing forward. This creates outward tension on the inward turned feet and this strengthening the stance.
  • A common variation of this stance is that the back foot is more or less pointed forward with only the front foot turned in at roughly 45 degrees. Best utilized by individuals with foot alignment problems.

Instructional Video on the Sanchin Stance

References

  1. Sanchin dachi foot placement kindly provided by Christopher Adamchek