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 | Completely straight and carrying 100% of the body weight |
| Standing foot | Points straight forward at 0 degrees |
| Lifted foot | The side of the foot or heel is held near the knee |
| 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 form the stance
One-Leg 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 distance between two supporting feet. The standing foot is the only point of contact with the floor.
The body is organized directly over the standing foot. The supporting leg remains completely straight, and the opposite foot is lifted with the side of the foot or heel held near the knee. The lifted foot is not used for support and should not touch the floor.
Because the stance does not use shoulder-width measurement in the usual way, the main technical checks are balance, straight supporting leg, lifted-foot position, and correct body alignment. The stance should look controlled and deliberate, not like casual standing on one foot.
Weight distribution and balance
One-Leg Stance uses a 100% weight distribution on the standing leg. The supporting leg carries the full weight of the body and must remain completely straight. This is one of the main differences between Waebal Sogi and Bending Stance, where the supporting leg is bent.
The body should remain upright and controlled over the standing foot. The student should avoid leaning to the side, collapsing the hip, bending the supporting knee, or lifting the shoulders in an attempt to balance. The standing foot points straight forward at 0 degrees, creating a clean and simple base.
The lifted leg should stay controlled near the knee. The lifted foot may be held with the side of the foot or heel near the knee, according to the required position. The purpose is balance and control, so the stance should be steady, quiet, and technically organized.
Facing options
| Facing | Use in One-Leg Stance |
|---|---|
| Full facing | Can be used when the shoulders and hips are squared toward the front |
| Half facing | Can be used when the torso is angled according to the required movement or exercise |
| Reverse half facing | Not listed as a standard facing option for One-Leg Stance in this reference |
| Side facing | Not listed as a standard facing option for One-Leg Stance in this reference |
Full facing in One-Leg Stance
One-Leg Stance may be performed in Full Facing. In full facing, the shoulders and hips are squared toward the front. The standing foot points straight forward, the supporting leg remains completely straight, and the body weight stays fully on the standing leg.
Full facing should not cause the body to lean or twist away from the supporting foot. The stance should remain centered and controlled. The lifted foot stays near the knee, and the non-weight-bearing leg does not touch the floor.
Half facing in One-Leg Stance
One-Leg Stance may also be performed in Half Facing. In half facing, the torso is angled rather than squared fully forward. This can be used according to the required exercise, balance position, or internal training purpose.
The facing changes the orientation of the hips and shoulders, but it does not change the stance structure. The stance remains one-legged, the supporting leg remains straight, the standing foot points forward at 0 degrees, and 100% of the body weight stays on the standing leg.
Reference checklist
| Check | Correct standard |
|---|---|
| Stance name | One-Leg Stance (Waebal 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 | Completely straight |
| Standing foot angle | Straight forward at 0 degrees |
| Lifted foot | Side of the foot or heel held near the knee |
| Facing options | Full facing or half facing |
Common technical errors
The most common error in One-Leg Stance is bending the supporting leg. Waebal Sogi requires the standing leg to remain completely straight. If the supporting leg bends, the stance loses its correct structure and becomes closer to a different one-legged position.
Another common error is allowing the lifted foot to hang loosely. The lifted foot should be controlled near the knee, using the side of the foot or heel according to the required position. It should not touch the floor or drift away without control.
Students should also check the standing foot angle. The standing foot points straight forward at 0 degrees. If the foot turns outward or inward unnecessarily, balance and alignment may be affected. The final check is posture: the body should remain upright, centered, and stable over the supporting leg.
Key principle
One-Leg Stance places 100% of the body weight on one completely straight supporting leg while the opposite foot is lifted and controlled near the knee.
Technical purpose
One-Leg Stance, called Waebal Sogi in Korean terminology, is a one-legged ITF Taekwon-Do stance used mainly for balance practice and specific internal breathing or stretching exercises. It requires the practitioner to support the entire body on one straight leg while keeping the opposite foot lifted near the knee.
This article is a technical reference. It focuses on the specific structure of the stance: width, length, measuring point, weight distribution, supporting-leg position, lifted-foot placement, foot angle, and facing options. Students should use it to check the position accurately, while instructors may use it as a simple correction guide in the Dojang.