The Heiko Dachi, or Parallel Stance, is the very first stance everyone learns in GKR Karate. It is not a typical combat stance, but it is very similar to the position you’ll be in when most fights break out in the real world. Because of this, many of the basic techniques you learn will be practiced from this stance. I like to use the traditional fighting stance to practice mine, but to each his own. In a real fight, you would not want to fight in this stance as it leaves you very open to any attack, but it is a good stance to practice the basics.
The stance is very simple to do. Start with your feet shoulder width apart and on an equal level from each other. Keep your weight balanced evenly between both legs to provide stability. Keep your toes facing slightly inward. This will provide friction for any hip rotation that may occur or any quick movement you make to convert to another stance. As for your knees, they should be slightly bent. Many people argue that they should be facing in one direction or another, so just go with whatever feels natural.
Keep your back straight, and keep your hips and shoulders facing forward. Your arms should be held out right in front of your thighs, with your elbows slightly bent. As for the width, they should be a bit less than a shoulder width’s length apart. Clench your hands together in the form of fists and position them so that the palms are facing one another.
Another reason this stance is used to practice techniques is because of its versatility. It’s easy to move and explode from this stance, whether you’re blocking, kicking, switching stances, etc. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Make sure to keep the knees bent. This aids with stability and power.
2. Keep your elbows tucked in by your sides. Likewise, your hands should face inwards towards each other.
3. Don’t turn your feet inwards too much, they should only be pointing inwards ever so slightly with your toes gripping the floor.