Korean Name: Gunnun Sogi (걷는 서기) • Gunnun (걷는): Walking • Sogi (서기): Stance
Walking Stance is one of the most commonly used stances in ITF Taekwon-Do, forming the foundation for both attack and defense. It provides stability while allowing forward and backward mobility. The stance is characterized by a long, forward-facing posture with the body weight evenly distributed.
• Length: Approximately 1.5 times the shoulder width, measured from the toes of the front foot to the toes of the rear foot. • Width: About shoulder width apart. • Weight Distribution: 50% on each leg. • Front Foot: Points directly forward. • Rear Foot: Points slightly outward, no more than 25 degrees. • Knees: Both slightly bent, with the front knee aligned over the heel.
The front knee must never extend beyond the toes, and the rear leg remains straight to provide forward drive.” — Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do
Walking Stance can be executed in: • Full Facing: Hips and shoulders square toward the opponent, used for forward attacks or blocks. • Half Facing: Hips and shoulders turned slightly (about 45 degrees) to the side, often used for side blocks or preparing for turning techniques.
Walking Stance is used extensively for: • Basic hand techniques such as punches, blocks, and thrusts. • Shifting between attack and defense with minimal movement. • Practicing correct hip twist for power generation. • Forms (tuls), where it appears frequently as a connecting stance between techniques.
• Keep hips and shoulders aligned according to posture facing. • Maintain vertical spine without leaning. • Distribute weight evenly for balance and quick movement. • Apply outward knee tension for stability.
• Front knee extending past toes, causing instability. • Rear foot turning too far outward. • Incorrect posture facing for the technique being applied.
While the standard walking stance is forward-facing, it can be adapted to half-facing depending on the blocking or attacking technique, but the length and width remain consistent.