Aikido Stances

In order to master the Japanese martial art of aikido, you must pay due diligence to its stances. Aikido stances constitute one of the four major fundamentals of this martial art and must be practiced at great length. Also, these stances can be seen as part of the foundation and a pupil must have a strong grasp of these before moving on to the other core techniques, such as footwork, attacks and throws.

Sometimes referred to as posture, one’s stance, depending on whether or not they are using a weapon, is first influenced by the distance to their opponent. Here we also see an interesting correlation to the mental side of aikido, as both physical and mental factors are heavily relied upon. A strong stance in this martial art is believed to carry over and incite a strong mental viewpoint as well, which will positively affect the entire situation.

The most elementary of these stances is the mutual stance, one where the uke (attacker) and the nage (defender) each begin with the same foot forward; for example, each have their right foot out at the same time. Then there is a middle position stance which requires the participants to begin with their hand or weapon in a position that is central to their body. A third elementary aikido stance is the lower position stance which requires participants to begin with their hands or weapons held in a lower position with respect to their body. These are only the beginning stances as there are also opposing stances for more advanced pupils.

Related Information

Aikido Styles
Aikido styles vary and depend on their roots or what family they were passed down from.

Aikido Techniques
Aikido techniques are most effectively practiced with a partner.