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Shotokan Technique · Stance

後屈立ちKokutsu-dachi — Back stance

Kokutsu-dachi (後屈立ち, “back stance”) carries about 70% of the weight on the rear leg, with the feet set at a right angle forming an L. It is a defensive, weight-back stance that lets you receive an attack and shift, and it is the natural partner of shutō-uke (knife-hand block).
TypeStance (dachi)
Weight~70% back / 30% front
FeetRight angle (L)
Length~2 shoulder widths
UseBlocking, evasion

See the technique型

Toggle between the phases. These are simplified schematics of the shape of the technique — pair them with the step-by-step below and your instructor.

A diagram shows the shape, not the speed or feel. For full-motion form, watch the reference video below and train it live.

How to perform it

  1. Set the back foot pointing out to the side and the front foot pointing forward, heels roughly on one line — an L shape.
  2. Bend the back knee deeply and keep the front leg lightly bent.
  3. Load about 70% of the weight onto the back leg.
  4. Keep the hips half-facing (hanmi) and the back upright.
  5. The front foot should be able to lift lightly — the rear leg carries you.

Key points

  • Feet at ~90° forming an L, heels on a line.
  • Weight clearly back — the front leg is light.
  • Back knee bent over the back foot, not collapsing in.

Common mistakes

Too much weight on the front leg (drifting toward front stance).
Front and back feet not at a right angle.
Rear knee caving inward.

Where you’ll see it

Kokutsu-dachi appears across the Shotokan kata syllabus, including:

Heian NidanHeian SandanBassai DaiKankū DaiJion

Application (bunkai)分解

Being weight-back, kokutsu-dachi is an evasive receiving stance — you lean away from an attack as you block, keeping the front leg free to check, kick or step in for a counter.

Note: applications are interpretive and one shape carries several valid uses — explore them with a qualified instructor.

Watch a reference performance演武

To see Kokutsu-dachi performed at full speed, watch instructor demonstrations:

▶ Watch “Kokutsu-dachi” on YouTube

Related techniques

Zenkutsu-dachi前屈立ちKiba-dachi騎馬立ちShutō-uke手刀受け

Kokutsu-dachi — frequently asked questions

How is the weight distributed in kokutsu-dachi?
About 70% on the back leg and 30% on the front — the opposite bias to zenkutsu-dachi. This lets you withdraw from an attack while blocking.
Why is it paired with shutō-uke?
The weight-back posture withdraws the body from the attack while the knife-hand blocks, and it keeps the front leg free to counter — a natural defensive combination drilled from Heian Nidan.
What shape do the feet make?
A right angle (an L): the back foot points to the side, the front foot points forward, with the heels roughly on one line.