Ready Position

Heiko-Dachi or Yoi Position: (He-kō Daw-chee) 

The first move in most katas no matter if it is an Okinawan, Korean, or Japanese form start with this natural stance we refer to in Isshin-Ryu as the Yoi position. This position is exactly what its’ name implies. It is the non-confrontational stance that allows the karateka to defend himself/herself if necessary. From this stance, an attacker cannot tell in which of the martial arts you have been trained. A boxer or a grappler has very distinctive stance that they can quickly adopt, but this information tells the opponent what range to fight in or stay away from. In ready stance the karateka can step sideways to avoid a punch. He/she can react to grabs or kicks. They’re in essence ready to start the fight if that is what must be done. 

Karate is defensive, but the moment someone touches you with intent to cause harm karate becomes offensive. The ready stance epitomizes the defensive nature of karate in that it is not an aggressive posture, yet like the tiger the karateka is ready to pounce. Keeping the hands in front, allows for groin protection, and enables them to be brought up more quickly.

Foundation:

• Keep the back is straight.
• Keep the head and chin is up.
• The feet are a shoulder’s width apart.
• The feet point straight ahead with the heels pushed out slightly.
• Keep the knees bent slightly.
• Keep the chin up, head straight, and eyes forward.
• The fists are held slightly in front of obi.

Weakness:

• The outer sides of the knees are exposed to low round shin kicks.
• Balance is broken when force is applied forward.

Strengths:

• Hands in front can protect the centerline striking points with limited movement.
• Legs shoulder width apart allows for hip rotation adding power to your kicking technique.
• This is a non-threatening stance that allows the karateka forward and backward movement in a non-threatening natural stance. Weight can quickly be distributed to the toes.
• Although this is a non-aggressive posture, if someone desires to attack you, they will be surprised by your readiness.
• Angular movement is easier with the legs apart.

Note: It is always better to be ready unnecessarily and not be surprised than to not be ready and taken by surprise. The fact that you’re alert may cause a would-be assailant to seek another victim.