Main stance dimensions
| Reference point | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Width | 1 shoulder width wide |
| Width measuring point | Measured from the centers of the insteps |
| Length | 1.5 shoulder widths long |
| Length measuring point | Measured from the big toe of the rear foot to the big toe of the front foot |
| Weight distribution | 50% on the front leg and 50% on the rear leg |
Foot and leg structure
| Body part | Technical requirement |
|---|---|
| Front foot | Points straight forward at 0 degrees |
| Rear foot | Turns 25 degrees outward |
| Front knee | Bent so the kneecap drops in a vertical line with the heel |
| Rear leg | Held firm and naturally straight, without collapsing the knee |
| Body weight | Balanced equally through both legs |
How to measure the stance
The length of Walking Stance is measured using shoulder width as the reference. The stance should be 1.5 shoulder widths long, measured from the big toe of the rear foot to the big toe of the front foot. This measurement helps prevent the stance from becoming too short, which reduces stability and reach, or too long, which can restrict movement and make the body difficult to recover.
The width of the stance is 1 shoulder width wide. This is measured from the centers of the insteps, not from the outside edges of the feet. This detail is important because measuring from the wrong point can make the stance wider or narrower than intended. A stance that is too narrow may feel unstable from side to side. A stance that is too wide may restrict hip movement and make the technique heavy.
The student should check both measurements at the same time. The length creates forward stability, while the width creates lateral stability. Together, they allow the practitioner to apply Jirugi, Makgi, and other fundamental techniques without losing balance.
Weight distribution and knee line
Walking Stance uses a 50% and 50% weight distribution. This means the body weight is shared equally between the front and rear legs. The student should not lean heavily forward into the front leg or sit backward onto the rear leg. The hips remain controlled, and the body should feel grounded through both feet.
The front knee is bent so that the kneecap drops in a vertical line with the heel. This gives the front leg a clear supporting angle while keeping the body structurally strong. The rear leg should remain firm and extended naturally. It should not be locked aggressively, but it should not bend or collapse either.
When the front knee moves too far beyond the correct line, the stance may become unstable and difficult to recover from. When the knee is too far behind the line, the stance becomes weak and the body loses proper forward support. The correct knee position is one of the simplest ways to check whether the stance is usable for pattern performance and technical application.
Facing options
| Facing | Use in Walking Stance |
|---|---|
| Full facing | The shoulders and hips are squared toward the opponent or direction of movement |
| Half facing | The torso is angled to present a narrower target and support defensive or angled applications |
| Reverse half facing | Not a standard facing option for Walking Stance in this reference |
| Side facing | Not a standard facing option for Walking Stance in this reference |
Full facing in Walking Stance
When Walking Stance is performed in Full Facing, the shoulders and hips are squared directly toward the opponent or the direction of the technique. This is commonly used when the technique requires the body to project force directly forward. The chest, hips, and stance line should work together so that the movement does not twist away from the intended direction.
In full facing, students should avoid allowing the rear shoulder to pull backward or the front shoulder to collapse forward. The body should stay organized over the stance. The feet provide the base, the knees give support, and the hips and shoulders complete the facing direction. This allows the technique to be delivered with a clear forward structure.
Half facing in Walking Stance
Walking Stance may also be used in Half Facing. In this position, the torso is angled so that only part of the chest is exposed. This presents a narrower target and is useful for techniques where the body should not be fully squared forward. Half facing must still preserve the correct stance measurements. The student should not shorten the stance or change the weight distribution simply because the torso is angled.
The key point is that the stance remains Walking Stance even when the facing changes. The width, length, foot angles, and weight distribution stay consistent. Only the orientation of the hips and shoulders changes according to the required technique.
Reference checklist
| Check | Correct standard |
|---|---|
| Stance name | Walking Stance (Gunun Sogi) |
| Length | 1.5 shoulder widths |
| Width | 1 shoulder width |
| Weight | 50% front leg and 50% rear leg |
| Front foot | Straight forward |
| Rear foot | 25 degrees outward |
| Front knee | Kneecap in vertical line with the heel |
| Facing options | Full facing or half facing |
Common technical errors
Common errors in Walking Stance usually come from incorrect measurement or incorrect weight placement. A stance that is too short may feel easy at first, but it does not give enough forward structure. A stance that is too long may look strong, but it can make the student slow and unstable when moving. The correct distance is not based on appearance alone; it is based on shoulder-width measurement.
Another common error is placing too much weight on the front leg. This makes the body lean forward and reduces control. The opposite error is leaving too much weight on the rear leg, which weakens the front knee and reduces the directness of the technique. The correct standard is equal weight on both legs.
Foot angle is also important. The front foot points straight forward, while the rear foot turns 25 degrees outward. If the rear foot turns too far outward, the hips may open too much. If it points too far forward, the stance may become uncomfortable and structurally weak. The stance should feel stable, measured, and ready for the required ITF technique.
Key principle
Walking Stance is stable because the body is supported equally by both legs, with the front knee bent and the rear leg straightened naturally into the floor.
Technical purpose
Walking Stance, called Gunun Sogi in Korean terminology, is one of the primary stances used in ITF Taekwon-Do. It gives the student a stable base for fundamental movements, pattern work, blocking, striking, and controlled forward or backward movement. In Tul, the stance must be measured accurately because the distance between the feet, the line of the knees, and the direction of the shoulders all affect balance, power, and the correct application of the technique.
This article is a technical reference. It focuses on the exact characteristics of the stance rather than a long explanation. Students should use it to check the structure of the stance, and instructors may use it as a simple standard when correcting posture in the Dojang.