Tachi-kata

Tachi-kata is a methodical study of stance form and transition. It presents dachi as a system: small changes in foot angle, distance, weight distribution, and hip position create different technical structures.

Principles

• keep the body upright and collected
• the feet define the basic shape
• weight distribution is clear
• transition is part of the stance
• train slowly, deliberately, and in fixed order

Starting position

Begin in Shizentai, naturally upright with the gaze forward.

Standard sequence

1. Heisoku-dachi – close the feet completely.
2. Musubi-dachi – heels together, toes open about 45–60°.
3. Heikō-dachi – move the heels outward until the feet are parallel.
4. Sotohachiji-dachi – turn the toes outward into an outer-eight shape.
5. Uchihachiji-dachi – move the heels outward into an inward-eight shape and lower slightly.
6. Sanchin-dachi – move one foot about one foot-length forward and keep the stance compact.
7. Moroashi-dachi – return the heels to a parallel line with one foot slightly ahead.
8. Kokutsu-dachi – turn sideways, lower the hips, approximately 70% rear / 30% front.
9. Nekoashi-dachi – draw the front foot in, raise the heel, keep weight clearly rearward.
10. Kakeashi-dachi – hook one leg behind the support leg and keep most weight on the support.
11. Zenkutsu-dachi – extend into a long forward base, approximately 70% front / 30% rear.
12. Kiba-dachi – turn into a wide lateral stance with parallel feet and lower the body.
13. Shiko-dachi – open the feet outward and align the knees with the toes.
14. Tsuruashi-dachi – lift one leg and collect the body over the support leg.
15. Fudō-dachi / Shizentai – place the foot down under control and return to natural stable readiness.

Sanchin entry

Sanchin requires deliberate entry. Begin from Shizentai, organize posture and breathing, move the foot forward in a controlled semicircle, lower the hips slightly, keep the center clear, and establish Sanchin-kamae without unnecessary rigidity.

Training method

Practice slowly and in fixed order without skipping intermediate positions. Learn how each form grows from the previous one and treat the transition as technically important as the final stance.

Common errors

• treating stances as isolated poses
• imprecise footwork
• unclear weight distribution
• upper-body compensation for a weak base
• broken or rushed transitions

Comment

Tachi-kata is a map of the entire dachi system. It teaches not only names and shapes, but how controlled changes in feet, hips, weight, and balance create each stance.