Hengetsu Dachi, the stance found in the Karate Kata of Hangetsu. This stance is taught later on in a Karateka's journey, it is a much shorter stance and is more natural. This stance is similar to the short stance of Sanchin Dachi only with a slightly wider feet position. The technique is known as the half moon stance due to the transitioning shape been semi circular or arc-like in shape.
The stance and posture is important, the legs should be a little shorter than a normal step, with the feet shoulder width apart, and if your opponent were to stand in front of you, your toes would point to their center, making a triangle between your feet and the opponents center line.
The triangle is important, as this directs power of your strike, for example, if you stood, with your left foot pointing to the furthest left it could go, and punch with the left arm, there would be no power in that punch compared to if the foot was pointing at the opponent. Both legs should have equal weight on them, and bent to take the weight without locking up or being tense.
Because of the lack of tension, you can use not only the hips, but the knees also to generate the power in a strike. With the added mobility it can be used for locks and throws and also to be able to maneuver around an opponent quickly to get into 45 degree angles to execute attacks.
View of the hangetsu-dachi stand.
Top view of hangetsu-dachi attitude.
Distribution of gravity in the position of hangetsu-dachi.
Putting feet in hangetsu-dachi in an exercise on stumps.
