騎馬立ち (kiba-dachi)

Folks, I'm new to this, taking 8th Kyu in July and I find that Kiba-dachi stance plays hovoc with my ankles. I'm naturally slightly knock knee'd and it strikes me that kiba-dachi is a stance far more suited to the bandy legged karateka.

I take it simply practicing kiba-dachi is the best (only) way forward?

it is called kiba cause kiba means fang in itself and this is kind of a spoiler zed gets a new spirit called kiba at like the end of the anime

Please correct me if I am wrong...but Kiba Dache has the toes pointing straight to the front??? we train in Sheko Dache where the toes are at a 45 degree angle....I was wondereing if you perhaps turned your toes out slightly until you get used to it then bring them back straight if that would help....or do some type of ankle strenghthening...Also practice the stance deeper than normal to build up strength....

What on earth are you talking about?

Yes. Kiba dachi is with the toes slightly pointed inward. The outside of your feet should be straight. If you were to draw a line off both big toes, they should cross in front of you at 6 to 10 feet away. Don't worry it will get easier. It is very comfortable for me now and one of my favorite stances (Not a good thing for my students if you know what I mean.

oos

Just wait until you try fudo dachi. ouch.

Sensei Brennan awarded me full 8th Kyu. If I'm honest I think I just scraped it !! I missed a Kiaii in Heian Shodan, though fortunately the 4 of us had to do it again & I was better 2nd time through - and my Kekomi was rubbish !!

Just back from a session tonight, I like the kumite work after a grading before we get deep into kata again !!

Hi Beerfuelledman

Do you do kata applications (bunkai) or do the seniors do them?

Not specifically, the Sensei will explain the application of the block, for example, in the kata in order to understand the kata better but no specific bunkai. Couldn't be sure about the higher grades.

So far all Ive succeeded in doing is damaging the ligaments around my ankle doing kibadatchi & back stance and have missed the last 3 weeks.

I'm not saying one style is better than another but shotokan may not be the right style for you with your physical problems. Shotokan stresses deep and long stances. I would suggest trying wadoryu or shorinryu since their version of the horse stance isn't so deep or wide.

You aren't doing it correctly then. Shorten your stances, make sure your knee is over your toes and not leaning in and do not try to push your knee past the level of your foot.

Are you doing these from a book or video?

Its a KUGB approved club, not a book or a video. The physio says its tendons as opposed to ligaments. Being slightly knock knee'd to begin with she says I have unusually high arches meaning the tendons are quite stretched as it is without putting additional stress on them. When I get back I'll have to ease off a bit.

I find many KUGB clubs (not all) practice stances that work against the body as opposed to with it. Very angular kiba dachi with the knees rocking out and stress on the ankle joint.

KUGB tend to have longer stances than other styles of shotokan and when you combine this with a deep stance this can lead to problems with the joints.