Wado-Ryu Stance – Yoi Dachi
Yoi Dachi is used as a ready stance in Wado Ryu, but can be used as a first stance in a fight. For information on other stances, please visit the main Wado-Ryu Stances section.
Instructions for Technique
The basic stance is in a rested relaxed position, the feet shoulder width apart, the toes pointed slightly inward with knee’s bent slightly so not to lock your knee’s, with buttock pulled under, back straight with legs and head, with arms in front of your belt, fist clenched and arms bent.
To go into Yoi Dachi, from legs together, take a small sideways step with both feet, starting with the left foot first, the arms come over the head, cross over your body and rest with fist clenched, but not tense, in front of you Obe with elbows bent. To apply this technique can be used against a grab, as the attacker comes at your with a double or single grab your arms come down to strike there fore arms and deflect the grab attempt. Leg position, in a shorter Kiba-Dachi suggest dropping your weight, so would be effective against a grab attempt, or as a double strike to opponents lower stomach if close enough.
Reference Sources
Red Dragons Karate School UK. Sensei Nathan Foster