The Shifted-Stance is a Technique within Stances.
Image
The Shifted-Stance of the Federation Wing Tsun System, pictured above in left & right variations.
Video
Not applicable. This is a static technique.
Overview
A Shifted-Stance is a standing position with all the bodyweight shifted onto one leg or the other. A Right Shifted-Stance describes a position with all the weight shifted onto the right leg, whilst a Left Shifted-Stance describes a position with all the weight shifted onto the left leg.
When shifted, the torso is upright & relaxed, the weight-bearing leg is centred directly beneath the body with the knee bent, and the foot flat on the ground. The non-weight-bearing leg extends to the side of the body, the knee is straight, and the foot rests flat onto the ground applying muscular pressure. See the Braking System Concept for more information on this last point.
The Shifted-Stance should not be confused with the Double-Line Stance, which has the same feet/torso alignment, but with the bodyweight distributed 50/50, balanced & poised for movement.
Tool
The Shifted-Stance technique belongs to the Stances subclass of Mobility Tools
Start Position
The Shifted-Stance is a static technique, and as such can be achieved by shifting the bodyweight onto either leg when in the IRAS, by reducing the extent of your turn when in either of the Turned-Stances, or by transferring the bodyweight backwards to 0/100 when in either of the Double-Line Stances.
End Position
Not applicable. This is a static technique.
Trajectory
Not applicable. This is a static technique.
Locations Within The Forms
Shifted-Stances are to be found within Chum-Kiu Section 3, Section 4, Section 5, and Section 8.
Location Within The Training Programme
The Shifted-Stance is part of the Basic Stage of the Federation Wing Tsun System.
The technique is introduced in the 4th Student Grade when learning the Chum-Kiu Form, then used in transition to the Turned-Stance in all future training programmes that require such movements.
Applications
In application, the vast majority of Shifted-Stances are transitions through which you move, for instance when yielding to pressure at close-range. However they can be very useful in a students development, and as such the only reasons to remain in a Turned-Stance position are as follows:
- To develop leg strength & improve balance.
- To gain familiarity with this extreme of weight distribution
- To train leg/body techniques which can be applied from such a position, such as Side-Kicks, Knee-Strikes, Bong-Gerk, or Shoulder-Barges.