Instructions for the Shotokan Cat Stance or Neko Ashi Dachi

This page provides details on how to do a Shotokan "Cat Stance". This stance is known as Neko Ashi Dachi in Japanese. This Shotokan stance is used primarily in katas. It is also used by other Karate styles (such as Wado Ryu) in katas, kihon and bunkai.

For additional stance information, please visit the main Shotokan Stances section.

Written Instructions for Stance

This is very similarly in Wado Ryu and Shotokan, the weight distribution of 80% on back leg, and 20% on the front leg. The weight distribution is in this way so that you still have full movement of your front leg, so this can be twisted to deflect kicks to your legs and groin area.

• The stance itself has both legs bent
• The back leg is on a 45 degree angle
• The front foot is pointed forward
• The front foot is on just the Koshi/Ball of foot
• The back leg ankle, hip and shoulder should be in a straight line, with the knee bent to be able bob up and down freely

With the front leg, you should have movement through the hip and knee and keeping the foot in the same position. With the movement this gives you have the abillity to Parry with your leg, against kicks to the groin area and leg.