Neko Ashi Dachi (Cat Stance)

This stance is used in several black belt Shotokan kata.

The practice of this karate stance varies from Dojo to Dojo, so please check with your Sensei.

This is the way we practice Neko Ashi Dachi at SKO.

Neko Ashi Dachi (cat stance)

1. Weight distribution for Neko Ashi Dachi is 90% of your weight on your back leg and 10% on the front leg.
2. Feet should be together when testing the stance width.
3. Stance length may vary a little from dojo to dojo but we have front foot just in front of the back foot, so the heel of the front foot is only just in front of the toes of the back foot.
4. Bend that back knee as much as possible.
5. Back foot should be facing forward as much as possible.
6. Front foot should be facing forward with heel up.
7. Roll the hips up and try not to let your hips stick out.
8. Keep your back straight
9. Keep your knees in close, if your front knee is brought back, it should be next to the back knee.
10. Tighten the inside of the thighs.

Neko ashi dachi is used extensively in the black belt kata and we will cover steppin in cat stance in another video and article. Whether you are attending a karate dojo, or learning karate at home, I recommend you break all techniques down and repeat again and again. For stances it’s a good idea to hold the position for a minute or two and then change to a different stance and repeat.