It depends on the style really. We practise horse stance with our hands out in front but it's good to be able to do it with your fists by your waist too. If you are going to try it, make sure you focus completely on not sticking your butt out or leaning over. Don't try getting too deep into it at first ,work on staying higher but with correct form ,then as you get more experienced go lower.
Go along to a class though as they may have a different way of doing it.
Have you got a class in mind?

I remember as a kid, my karate instructor supported my weight and manipulated me into the sitting/horse stance. Knowing full well that I wasn't supporting my own weight he let go. As I fell on the ground, he looked at my disapprovingly and sent me off to the corner of the room to do pressups.

Different styles and clubs do the stance differently and I was far more comfortable doing it in TKD where my instructor was okay with me trying to do and gradually get better at it.

I will still be practicing, I`m trying very hard to perform the stance properly, my problem is keeping my back vertical rather than lean forward which is something i notice i do sometimes.

I would take up some of the advice on this thread MC. After all, you dont want to be doing something that is going to have a negative impact on your personal health and fitness.


Where are you from?

As in where are you based? Id love to say we have people using this site in every city and town but that would be a big fat lie!

However, there is a good geographic spread on here especially for the UK.

Su Lin wrote:
It depends on the style really. We practise horse stance with our hands out in front but it's good to be able to do it with your fists by your waist too. If you are going to try it, make sure you focus completely on not sticking your butt out or leaning over. Don't try getting too deep into it at first ,work on staying higher but with correct form ,then as you get more experienced go lower.
Go along to a class though as they may have a different way of doing it.
Have you got a class in mind?

Thank you for the advice, i have gone a bit higher and monitored my form by doing the stance in front of a mirror. My legs seem to be getting a bit more strength back now aswell thankfully.

I haven't really had much chance to look for a class yet, not had the time, plus there are other things i have to sort out before i start classes. keeping fit and exercising has been a nice distraction from everything else. In anycase, I would like to do something which accommodates my small frame, i`m about 5 foot 5 inches tall, and 55 kg. plus i would like to do an art which concentrates less on kicking and more on other skills. i will look in to this over the weekend and see what is available near me.

SteveBruce wrote:
I remember as a kid, my karate instructor supported my weight and manipulated me into the sitting/horse stance. Knowing full well that I wasn't supporting my own weight he let go. As I fell on the ground, he looked at my disapprovingly and sent me off to the corner of the room to do pressups.

Different styles and clubs do the stance differently and I was far more comfortable doing it in TKD where my instructor was okay with me trying to do and gradually get better at it.

a harsh but funny story.

My Karate teacher was not so harsh when I was 9 or so. We would each have to tense our stomach and he would go along and give us all a solid punch in the stomach. the adults got a solid punch at least I was let off with a forceful but bearable punch.

PeteMills wrote:
As in where are you based? Id love to say we have people using this site in every city and town but that would be a big fat lie!

However, there is a good geographic spread on here especially for the UK.

I am based in North London, and i promise i wont push myself too hard sir.

I am based in North London, and i promise i wont push myself too hard sir.

There is some really good people in and around the London area so you are sorted! And dont call me sir - we are in learning from each other on here.

Shaolin Temple UK? Shi Yan Lei and Shi Yan Zi look pretty awesome.

No probs Pete.

Su Lin, I have heard of the UK shaolin temple wasn't sure whether it was a gimmick or something with substance, was pretty shocked there was such a thing over here tbh. I`m guessing they are a good school then?