How to Do the Horse Stance in Kung Fu

Co-authored by Yvonne Mo

Last Updated: February 24, 2023 Approved

This article will teach you how to do the Horse Stance (aka Horse Riding Stance). This stance is also included in karate but is known as sumo stance in most karate schools.

Steps

1
Stand up straight then put your legs apart making sure that your feet are facing forward.
2
Be aware of your torso, make sure that your spine is straight and your posture is flat.^{[1]
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3
Bend your knees and lower the upper body as if you were sitting on horseback. The lowness of the stance varies in Kung Fu styles, mainly northern and southern: northern is a more relaxed higher stance whereas southern is right down near the ground. Be aware not to put your knees forward or outward over the toes.^{[2]
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4
Make sure your feet are still facing forward,your body is still straight and your hips are loose.^{[3]
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5
To train yourself further with using this stance, first find a stick, assume the horse stance and then place the stick on top of your knees.
6
Hold your arms outward, palms parallel to your body.
7
Be mindful of your posture and don't let the stick fall.
8
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

Why do I need to do horse squatting?

Community Answer

Horse squatting is important in developing a solid stance, and will also aid in developing thigh muscles.
Question

Why do you keep your knees over your feet in a general horse stance?

Kendallyn Alexander

Community Answer

The point of doing the horse stance is to help you build core stability from the legs.
Question

If you are not stong, how do you do it?

Kendallyn Alexander

Community Answer

The kegel muscles, which are also called the pc muscles for the pubococcygeus, are one of several muscle groups involved.

Warnings

This move is not recommended if you have bad bones in your knees, bad joints or any other conditions (e.g arthritis), you may do this if you want but take extra care and take it easier than the usual student.

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Don't try to copy movies and stay up for hours right at the start of training, don't strain or overtrain.

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Not to be used in combat, this stance is not used in combat, standing like this in a fight will result in pain (especially for men). This stance is to exercise and strengthen the legs.

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