Hachiji Dachi

Hachiji dachi is a karate stance. Pronounced 'hi-key-chi-datch'. In English, hachiji translates as "the character eight," but in reality this means something more like "shaped like number eight." This reference is to the shape of the kanji for the number eight. Dachi, translates to "stance," referring specifically to the body's position from the waist downwards. Hachiji dachi is the standard Ready Stance in most Japanese styles of karate.

In hachiji dachi, the feet should be a shoulder width wide, with your toes out at 45 degress. The karateka stands upright but with a slight bend in the knees, facing straight forward. While in hachiji dachi, the karateka will be in a ready position, a starting point for execution of other techniques. The arms relaxed by the side and are slightly moved forward, with fists closed. The fists point slightly to the centre and should be half a shoulder width apart. The elbows should be bent very slightly.

Also known as the Natural Stance, Hachiji Dachi is the starting point for nearly all Shotokan karate practises.