How Do You Assume A Fighting Stance In Aikido (Ai-Gamae)?
The fighting stance is a basic stance used for attacking and defending. In most styles it is a side-facing stance, but in Aikido, the fighting stance (Ai-gamae) is similar to a front stance. Face the front, maintaining a straight posture with your upper body. Keep your shoulders square. Place one leg forward, bending the knee slightly. Place the other leg to the back, about 1 1/2 steps behind. Keep it straight. Be sure both feet face forward (ai-hanmi) and both heels touch the floor. Distribute about 60 percent of your weight over your front foot; 40 percent over your back foot. Hold your arms outstretched in front of you, but don’t overextend the elbows. Open your fingers. Hold upper and lower hands along a centered, vertical line. Keep your upper hand level with your chest. Keep your lower hand one fist length from your stomach.
