Explanation of the Basic Stances in HK - D. Basic Postures Through Photos

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해동검도의 기본세 설명-D. 사진을 통한 기본 자세

《Table of Contents》

■ Title: Explanation of the Basic Stances in Haedong Kumdo

A. Explanation of the Natural Stance
B. Understanding Basic Stances Through a Unified Principle
C. In-Depth Analysis of the Daedo Stance Through Q&A
D. Basic Postures Through Photos

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D. Basic Postures Through Photos

In this chapter, we will briefly examine a few of the major basic stances using photographs.

We will look at the Natural Stance, Daedo Stance, Sodo Stance, Beom Stance, and Jocheon Stance.

The reason for revisiting and posting these basic stances anew is due to a recent incident: a Haedong Kumdo master from Latin America posted photos and explanations of basic stances on Facebook, but they lacked clarity and accuracy. This inspired me to write this series of four articles.

Although I have repeatedly explained these concepts during seminars, this time I wanted to first leave a written record, and then provide more hands-on, practical explanations at the upcoming seminar in Belgium at the end of May.

In the previous chapter, we covered each basic stance with detailed explanations and context. So in this chapter, we’ll take a simpler approach using photographs.

To properly examine a martial arts basic stance, we can assess it in several ways:

Does the stance biomechanically match its intended purpose?

Is the flow of energy through the body unobstructed?

Are there other anatomical or functional elements to consider?

We should also determine whether the stance is biomechanically open or closed. Depending on its use, a stance can be either opened or closed.

In other words, there are defensive stances, ready stances, and offensive stances. However, in practical combat, a ready stance must also serve as both a defensive and offensive posture.

Movements must flow seamlessly from defense to offense in order to fulfill the purpose of real combat.

Each stance requires a reasonable explanation and understanding of its function.

Furthermore, depending on whether energy is being gathered, redirected, or released, the shape of a basic stance can vary.

One must also understand the central axis or focal point of energy in each stance, which inevitably ties into breathing.

Let’s now explore this through the photos.

■ Jayeonsae (Natural Stance)

Photo below: Dominic Den Drijver, HK 2nd Dan, Representative of the Dutch HK Association.

As previously explained,
both feet should be placed on a straight line,
with a gap between them of about half a step.

Unlike the basic stances of striking martial arts that focus on hand and foot techniques,
it is essential to understand why both feet must be aligned in a straight line here.
One must also be aware of the movements of both feet when shifting forward, backward, and side to side.

■ Daedosae

a. The front knee and the tip of the front foot should be aligned in a straight line.

b. The center of energy in the bladder should be aligned vertically with the shoulder and the ear.

c. The back leg should be fully extended to support the ground firmly.

d. The gaze should be fixed at the height of the sword tip.

e. Build a triangular energy zone formed by the opposing alignment of the center lines of both feet and the bladder energy.

The distance between both feet may vary slightly depending on body type, but generally should be about 2.5 to 3 steps apart.

Starting from a front-facing horse stance, adjust the knees both sideways and front-to-back to achieve the proper position.

Both feet should be angled inward at about 45 degrees and remain parallel.

The front foot should align the toes and knee in a straight line, while the back leg must be fully extended.

When performing forward and backward cutting, it is essential to maintain a consistent body height—ideally around knee level—and to master the technique of utilizing the entire body efficiently in the forward and backward movement of Daedose.

■ Beomsae (Tiger Stance)

■ Beomsae (Tiger Stance)

Place both feet together at a 90-degree angle like photo above, then extend them forward in a straight line.

The distance between the feet should be about 1 to 1.5 steps, with approximately three-quarters of the body weight placed on the back foot.

This differs from Jocheonsae, where most of the weight is on the front foot.

It is important to understand why the toes of the front foot point straight ahead and why the rear foot is angled at 90 degrees to the front.

This is a preparatory stance, primarily defensive in nature, but can also facilitate offense depending on the situation.

In this position, energy gathers toward the back foot, making it a defensive preparation stance—however, the front foot must be kept free and ready to move, placing the body in a "ready-to-expand" state.

■ Jocheonsae

As with Beomsae, place both feet together at a 90-degree angle and then extend them straight forward.

In this case, the distance between the feet should be about 2 to 2.5 steps, with approximately three-quarters of the body weight placed on the front foot.

Again, it is important to understand why the front foot points straight ahead and the rear foot forms a 90-degree angle with it.

This stance serves as an offensive preparation position, representing the outward flow of energy.


《No matter how minutely we try to explain these stances—especially for beginners—what matters most is understanding these principles through ongoing training. Once the natural flow of energy is fully embodied through consistent practice, the body can respond freely and efficiently. At that level, angles, directions, and even stance variations become tools one can adjust at will, in accordance with personal intent and need.》

a. Elbows bent at approximately 90 degrees, with the shoulders relaxed in a natural state.

b. Toes, knees, chin, and both hands aligned along a straight line.

c. Front and rear feet positioned at approximately 90 degrees to each other.

■ Sodosae

The front foot should angle slightly inward at about 45 degrees, while the heel of the rear foot is lifted.

The back knee should align vertically with the waist, shoulder, and ear in a straight line.

The central axis of both feet and the energy of the bladder oppose each other to form a triangular energy structure that supports the entire body in a stable position.

a. Align the knee and the toes in a straight line.

b. Align the ears, shoulders, waist, and the back knee in a straight line.

c. Ensure the back foot forms a 90-degree angle with the hips.

d. Build a triangular energy zone with the central axis of both feet and the energy of the bladder.


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April 25, 2025
Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo Kim Jeong Seong