Main stance dimensions
| Reference point | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Width | 0 shoulder widths |
| Width detail | One-legged stance, so there is no left-to-right stance width |
| Length | 0 shoulder widths |
| Length detail | There is no front-to-back stance length because only one foot supports the body |
| Measuring point | The standing foot is the sole point of contact with the floor |
| Weight distribution | 100% on the standing leg |
Foot and leg structure
| Body part | Technical requirement |
|---|---|
| Standing leg | Bent and carrying 100% of the body weight |
| Standing foot | Points roughly 25 to 30 degrees outward to stabilize balance |
| Lifted foot | Pressed against the inner knee or shin of the standing leg |
| Lifted leg | Non-weight-bearing and controlled close to the body |
| Body weight | Placed fully over the supporting leg, without leaning or collapsing |
How to measure the stance
Bending Stance has 0 shoulder widths of width and 0 shoulder widths of length. This is because it is a one-legged stance. There is no front foot and rear foot relationship, and there is no left-to-right distance between two supporting feet. The standing foot is the only point of contact with the floor.
The measuring point is therefore simple: the stance is organized around the standing foot. The body must be balanced over that foot, with the supporting leg bent and strong enough to control the position. The lifted foot is not used for support. It is placed against the inner knee or shin of the standing leg and remains ready for the next action.
Because the stance does not use shoulder-width distance in the usual way, the main technical check is not length or width. The main check is whether the body weight is fully controlled over the supporting leg, whether the standing leg is bent, and whether the lifted foot is correctly placed without touching the floor.
Weight distribution and balance
Bending Stance uses a 100% weight distribution on the standing leg. The supporting leg carries all the body weight and must remain bent. The non-weight-bearing leg does not share the load. It stays lifted and pressed against the inner knee or shin of the standing leg.
The bent supporting leg is one of the defining features of this stance. It creates readiness for kicking and helps the practitioner control the body before releasing the lifted leg. The stance should not be performed with a fully straight supporting leg, because that would change the structure and reduce the ability to launch the next movement effectively.
Balance should come from correct body alignment, not from excessive tension. The student should avoid leaning heavily to the side, bending the upper body forward, or lifting the shoulders in an attempt to stay stable. The body should remain organized above the standing leg, with the lifted leg controlled close to the body.
Facing options
| Facing | Use in Bending Stance |
|---|---|
| Full facing | Not a standard facing option for Bending Stance in this reference |
| Half facing | Used for Bending Stance when the body is angled and prepared for the required movement |
| Reverse half facing | Not a standard facing option for Bending Stance in this reference |
| Side facing | Used for Bending Stance, especially when preparing for side-oriented kicking actions |
Half facing in Bending Stance
In Half Facing, the body is angled rather than squared fully to the front. This can help the practitioner keep the body compact and prepared while balancing on one leg. The standing foot points roughly 25 to 30 degrees outward, and the body remains controlled above the supporting leg.
Half facing should not cause the lifted leg to drift away from the body or the standing knee to collapse. The lifted foot remains pressed against the inner knee or shin of the standing leg. The supporting leg stays bent, and the full body weight remains on the standing foot.
Side facing in Bending Stance
Bending Stance may also be used in Side Facing. This is especially relevant when the stance is used to prepare for a side-piercing kick or another side-oriented action. The body turns sideways while the supporting leg maintains the full weight of the body.
The key point is that the facing does not change the stance structure. The stance remains one-legged, the standing leg remains bent, and the lifted foot remains placed against the inner knee or shin of the standing leg. The student should not allow the stance to become casual balancing on one foot. It must remain a technical Taekwon-Do position.
Reference checklist
| Check | Correct standard |
|---|---|
| Stance name | Bending Stance (Guburyo Sogi) |
| Width | 0 shoulder widths |
| Length | 0 shoulder widths |
| Measuring point | Standing foot is the sole point of contact |
| Weight | 100% on the standing leg |
| Standing leg | Bent |
| Lifted foot | Pressed against the inner knee or shin of the standing leg |
| Standing foot angle | Roughly 25 to 30 degrees outward |
| Facing options | Half facing or side facing |
Common technical errors
The most common error in Bending Stance is allowing the lifted foot to float loosely instead of placing it against the inner knee or shin of the standing leg. The lifted leg must be controlled and prepared, not hanging without purpose. This control is important because the stance is commonly used before kicking.
Another common error is straightening the supporting leg. Bending Stance requires the standing leg to be bent. If the supporting leg becomes straight, the stance loses its correct structure and becomes closer to a general one-leg balance position rather than Guburyo Sogi.
Students should also check the standing foot angle. The supporting foot points roughly 25 to 30 degrees outward to stabilize balance. If the foot turns too much or points in a direction that prevents control, the body may become unstable. The final check is the weight distribution: all the body weight must remain on the standing leg, with no support from the lifted foot.
Key principle
Bending Stance places 100% of the body weight on one bent leg so the opposite leg can be controlled, prepared, and released into a kicking technique.
Technical purpose
Bending Stance, called Guburyo Sogi in Korean terminology, is a one-legged stance used in ITF Taekwon-Do. It is mainly used to prepare the body for kicking techniques, especially side-piercing kicks and back-piercing kicks. The stance requires balance, control, and correct placement of the non-weight-bearing leg.
This article is a technical reference. It focuses on the specific structure of the stance: width, length, measuring point, weight distribution, standing-leg position, lifted-leg placement, foot angle, and facing options. Students should use it to check the technical standard, while instructors may use it as a simple correction guide in the Dojang.