Technical purpose
Vertical Stance, called Soojik Sogi in Korean terminology, is an ITF Taekwon-Do stance used in both attack and defense. It is a compact stance with straight legs, inward-facing toes, and a clear rear-leg weight bias.
The stance is always performed in half facing. This makes it useful when the practitioner needs a narrow body line while still remaining balanced and ready to move.
Stance structure
| Reference point | Correct standard |
|---|---|
| Stance name | Vertical Stance (Soojik Sogi) |
| Measurement | 1 shoulder width between the big toes |
| Weight distribution | 60% on the rear leg and 40% on the front leg |
| Foot angle | Toes of both feet point approximately 15 degrees inward |
| Leg position | Both legs are straight |
| Facing | Always half facing |
Naming rule
Vertical Stance is named by the rear foot. When the right foot is in the rear, it is called a right Vertical Stance. When the left foot is in the rear, it is called a left Vertical Stance.
This rule is important because the front foot does not name the stance. First identify the rear foot, then name the stance as right or left.
How to perform the stance
Move one foot to the front or side so that the distance between the big toes is one shoulder width. Keep both legs straight and place the body weight with 60% on the rear leg and 40% on the front leg.
Turn the toes of both feet approximately 15 degrees inward. The body should remain half facing, whether the stance is being used in attack or defense.
The stance should feel compact and controlled. Do not bend the knees, spread the feet too widely, or shift the weight equally onto both legs. The rear leg must clearly carry more of the body weight.
Reference checklist
| Check | Correct standard |
|---|---|
| Distance | one shoulder width between the big toes |
| Weight | 60% rear leg and 40% front leg |
| Feet | Both toes point approximately 15 degrees inward |
| Legs | Straight |
| Naming | Named by the rear foot |
| Facing | Half facing in attack and defense |
Common technical errors
A common error is placing the weight equally on both legs. Vertical Stance uses a 60% and 40% weight ratio, with more weight on the rear leg.
Another error is bending the knees. Both legs should remain straight. If the knees bend, the stance loses its vertical structure.
Students also commonly point the toes straight forward or outward. In Soojik Sogi, the toes of both feet should point approximately 15 degrees inward.
The final error is using the wrong facing. Vertical Stance is always half facing. It should not be performed full facing or side facing in this reference.