Nekoashi-dachi

Name: Nekoashi-dachi (猫足立ち)
English: Cat stance

Introduction

Nekoashi-dachi is a compact rear-weighted stance in which most body weight is carried by the rear leg while the front foot remains light with the heel raised.

It trains the ability to carry the body backward without losing readiness forward. The front leg remains available for stepping, distance adjustment, blocking movement, or kicking.

Definition

• the rear leg carries most of the body weight
• the front foot is placed ahead with the heel raised
• only the ball/toe area of the front foot has light floor contact
• the trunk stays upright rather than leaning backward
• the stance remains compact and ready to change

Its function is to combine rear stability with a free, usable front leg.

Technical figure

Measurements and percentages are pedagogical markers that express the stance principle rather than absolute values for every practitioner.

Structure and form

Feet

Place one foot in front of the other. Keep the front foot light, with the heel raised and only the front part of the foot touching the floor. The rear foot carries the primary load.

Legs

The rear leg actively supports the body. The front leg is unloaded but not passive; it remains alive and ready to lift, move, or kick.

Hips

Keep the hips collected over the base. Rear weighting is created through the legs and center, not by pushing the hips backward.

Trunk and spine

Keep the trunk upright. Do not create rear weighting by leaning the upper body backward.

Shoulders, arms, and hands

Keep the shoulders relaxed. Arm and hand position follows the technique being performed.

Gaze

Keep the head upright and the gaze in the technical direction.

Weight distribution

For teaching purposes the stance is approximately 10–20% front / 80–90% rear. In stricter form it may approach 10/90. The principle is more important than a fixed number: the front foot must remain light and technically active.

Center of gravity and balance

Keep the center low and rearward without becoming heavy or passive. Correct balance provides rear stability, a free front leg, quick access to kicking or stepping, and control through a compact base.

Technical purpose

Nekoashi-dachi develops:

• rear-leg support
• a free front leg
• balance in a compact asymmetrical structure
• readiness for kicks, steps, and directional change
• coordination of hips, trunk, and legs
• stability in receiving and blocking movements

Use

Basic training

Train rear weighting, balance, and control of the unloaded front leg while keeping the trunk vertical.

Kihon / Idō geiko

Use it when technique requires a light front foot, controlled rear weighting, and rapid transition.

Kata

It provides a compact base for blocks, receiving movements, shuto techniques, and transitions. It should feel loaded and ready rather than like a static pause.

Kumite / application

Its principles can support distance adjustment, defensive reception, and freeing the front leg for a kick. Oyama’s later practical material also uses nekoashi-tachi as a base for preparatory fighting positions.

Technical key points

• most weight on the rear leg
• front heel raised and front foot light
• front leg unloaded but active
• compact controlled base
• hips collected
• upright trunk
• rear leg active without locking
• immediate movement readiness

Common errors

• too much weight on the front leg
• allowing the front foot to become heavy
• dropping the front heel
• leaning the trunk backward
• over-bending or locking the rear leg
• losing hip center
• making the stance too long or too narrow
• letting the front leg become passive

Comment

Nekoashi-dachi is a central rear-weighted stance in Kyokushin. Correctly performed it is compact, alert, stable, and immediately mobile.