"Dachi" or "Tachi" means stance in Japanese, and describes primarily the position of the feet in various Karate stances. Stances are very important in delivering power and also quick responses in various situations and are thus emphasis in Kihon (basic training). Strong stances can give a smaller person a significant advantage over a larger attacker.
Stances - Dachi
| Bensoku dachi | Turning cross leg stance |
| Fudo dachi | Free stance |
| Hachiji dachi | Natural stance (feet shoulder width apart toes slightly pointed out) |
| Han zenkutsu dachi | Half front stance (Short Zenkutsu dachi) |
| Hachiji dachi | Natural stance (feet shoulder width apart slightly pointed out) |
| Heiko dachi | Parallel stance (feet shoulder width apart) |
| Heisoku dachi | Closed foot stance (feet together) |
| Kiba dachi | Horse riding stance (feet parallel) |
| Kokutsu dachi | Back stance |
| Musubi dachi | Formal attention stance (feet together) |
| Neko ashi dachi | Cat stance |
| Renoji dachi | The letter L stance |
| Sanchin dachi | Hourglass stance |
| Sesan dachi | Side facing straddle stance |
| Shiko dachi | Straddle leg stance (horse stance feet at 45 degrees) |
| Zenkutsu dachi | Front stance |
