Movement

Dachi must work during steps, turns, and transitions, not only when held still. Oyama places balance, walking, and turning close to stance training, reinforcing that form and movement belong together.

Three phases

Every stance is understood through:

1. entry – how it is built
2. bearing – how it is carried with structure and balance
3. transition – how it is left and connected to the next movement

Requirements during movement

Preserve balance, controlled height, direction, a functional foot base, hip/trunk structure, and readiness for technique.

The center leads

Movement does not begin with the foot alone. Guide the center so the step becomes part of one connected body action. A foot that moves first while the body follows often creates empty stepping, late balance, and weak technique.

Leaving and entering

Do not dissolve one stance and then build the next. The transition is continuous. The receiving foot should land functionally with knee, hip, and weight already organized.

Turning

A turn reorients the whole body while preserving balance, structure, and readiness. Center, hips, and footwork must cooperate.

Training contexts

• Kihon: stepping carries the basic technical form.
• Idō geiko: stance and transition are trained explicitly across the floor.
• Kata: steps are part of the technique and carry direction, rhythm, and form.
• Kumite: shapes become less formal, but balance, direction, center, and readiness remain.

Common errors

• unnecessary rising during the step
• weight arriving late
• foot landing before the center is organized
• passive hips
• losing direction in turns
• breaking the stance just before technique
• repeated adjustment steps after landing

Comment

A stance that cannot move is incomplete. Dachi must be entered, carried, moved, turned, and transformed into technique without losing structure.