In kumite, a stance acts as a support to body movement, so that with a strong stance one can apply attacking and blocking techniques effectively with swift body movements. Hence, the study of stances constitutes an important topic in kumite.

With the knees slightly bent and with certain flexibility, place the feet on the ground – one in the front and one at the rear. Regarding the distance between the two feet, it varies from person to person in accordance with their kumite styles. If the distance is shorter, the body will be able to move swiftly, but with the disadvantage of a weaker driving force delivered from the stance, as it has become less stable. On the contrary, if the distance is longer, the mobility will be limited, but with the advantage of greater driving force stemming from the stronger stance. Hence, we have to find a suitable distance between our feet to cope with our unique kumite style. Most of the body weight should be placed on the balls of the feet for a more ready application of power in the legs. To enhance the initial speed of the legs, we should apply certain pushing forces between the feet: the front foot pushing forward while the back foot pushing backward. With such pushing forces in the feet, and if the body position remains unchanged, they will cancel each other out and come to a natural balance. However, if we are to advance a forward movement, all we need to do is to lift up the front leg; in this way, the pushing force in the back leg will instantly push the body forward. By the same token, if we are to retrieve to a backward movement, we simply lift up the back leg, then the pushing force in the front leg will instantly bring the body to a backward movement.

In any case, to enhance more effective attacking and blocking techniques and stronger power in kumite, stances should be applied together with fast and swift footwork.