Yoi dachi - Ready stance

Pronounced 'Yoh-ee-dah-ch'. Stand naturally with the feet shoulder width apart in an open \ / position, and the hands resting lightly on the anterio-lateral aspect of the thighs. The body and head should be erect. The gaze should be directed forwards. The command Shizentai demands that the practitioner stands naturally and relaxed but motionless. Note that the term 'dachi' (stance) describes only what the hips, legs and feet are doing. What the hands do is of no relevance to the stance in this context, although, having said this, if the hands are not doing anything specific they can be positioned as described in the paragraph above.

Musubi dachi - Tied foot stance

Pronounced 'muh-soo-bee-dah-ch'. This stance has a number of different uses. As you learn the successive steps you will note that musubi dachi appears frequently.

Stand with the heels lightly touching and the toes turned outwards at about 22.5 degrees This foot positioning is said to resemble the two legs having being tied together at the ankles. The body should be erect and well balanced. The knees should be flexed imperceptibly.

Ritsurei - Formal standing salutation - bow

Pronounced 'Rit-soo-rey' From yoi dachi bring the right foot to the left into musubi dachi, place the hands on the anterio-lateral aspect of the thighs and bow from the waist. Direct the gaze neither straight forwards overtly making eye contact with others or to the floor at your feet showing a distinct lack of awareness of your surroundings. Rather, strike a compromise between these two extremes. Return the right foot to the yoi dachi position.

Yasume - Relax

Pronounced 'Yah-soo-meh'.

When in yasume you may move around providing you do not leave your floor position. You might want to stretch the limbs or swing the arms, rotate the torso, shake the hands or feet etc. and the command yasume allows you to do this.