Hourglass stance (sanchin)

Names by art: Karate: Sanchin-dachi · Goju-ryu: Sanchin-dachi · Uechi-ryu: Sanchin

Appears in 3 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

A short stance with the knees bent and turned inward, the hips tucked and the whole body tensed. It roots the body and trains breathing and structure.

Appears in 3 arts

Art	Name used in this art
Karate	Sanchin-dachi
Goju-ryu	Sanchin-dachi
Uechi-ryu	Sanchin

More in this category

Front stance Horse stance Back stance Cat stance 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). “Hourglass stance (sanchin)”. https://wabukan.com/tecnicas/sanchin (accessed 2026-10-30).

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