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Shiko Dachi

Shiko Dachi (pronounced Sheek-co-datch) otherwise known as the Sumo Stance or Square Stance is a martial arts stance used extensively in most styles of karate. The stance is one of the lower height stances used and is accomplished by stretching open the legs so the feet are at the minimum two shoulder widths apart. The toes should be pointed outwards at 45 degrees, and the knees bent allowing you to sink deep into this low stance.

Mastering the stance of Shiko Dachi not only makes your karate look more accomplished and attractive, but it also greatly helps to strengthen quite a few muscle groups including the feet, ankles, legs, bottom and your back.

While most traditional styles will teach the Shiko Dachi as a front stance, because of the obvious vulnerability to the groin due the legs been wide open, it makes much more tactical sense to use this stance only for transitions or as a side stance, keeping the attacker away from the exposed groin level at all times.