Cat stance

Names by art: Karate: Neko-ashi-dachi · Goju-ryu: Neko-ashi-dachi

Appears in 2 arts.

⚠ Train with an instructor. Learn and practise this technique only under a qualified instructor, on a suitable surface and with a cooperative partner. This page explains; it does not replace a teacher.

Biomechanics: what the body does

Almost all the weight sits on the bent rear leg; only the ball of the front foot touches the ground. The front leg is free to kick or step, and the body can shift back away from an attack.

Appears in 2 arts

Art	Name used in this art
Karate	Neko-ashi-dachi
Goju-ryu	Neko-ashi-dachi

More in this category

Front stance Horse stance Back stance Hourglass stance (sanchin) Boxing stance (orthodox / southpaw) Sliding step (front foot first) Natural walking step Following step Body evasion by turning (tai sabaki) Entering and turning (irimi / tenkan) Ginga (rocking base of capoeira) Jump-forward (balestra) Back breakfall Side breakfall Forward rolling breakfall

All techniques across the arts →

Sources

Cite / use this content

You may quote short excerpts with a visible link to this page. Suggested citation:

Wabukan (2026). “Cat stance”. https://wabukan.com/tecnicas/base-gato (accessed 2026-10-30).

Full rules, ready-made link code and press kit → · Updated: 2026-10-30