Feet Together Beginning Bow Position

Heisoku-dachi: (Hay-sue-koo Daw-chee) 

The attention stance is the middle section of the of the formal Isshin-Ryu bow. All military disciplines start with attention. Attention signifies personal discipline. This too is not a fighting position, yet it can be used to place the opponent at ease and allow for a quick attack. With the feet pointing straight, you can initiate a linear attack while standing in a non-threatening position. It is somewhat like a sprinter getting prepared to come out of the blocks in a race. Moving backwards can be difficult if the opponent initiates the attack.

Foundation:

• Keep back is straight.
• Keep the chin up, head straight, and eyes forward.
• Keep the feet together side-by-side with toes touching.
• The hands are at the side in a shuto position with the thumbs tucked.
• Keep the knees slightly bent pointing straight ahead.

Weakness:

• Its’ balance is broken by pushing forward.
• The Groin and centerline vital striking points are exposed.
• Angular movement is limited.
• The outer sides of the knees are exposed to low round shin kicks.

Strengths:

• It enables a quick forward movement.
• This is a non-threatening stance that allows the karateka forward movement while standing in a non-threatening natural stance. Weight can quickly be distributed to the toes for faster movement.
• Balance is good side-to-side.
• The close proximity of the feet impedes hip rotation in kicking and reduces power, but forward snap kicks can easily be thrown.