Which elements describe the basic self-defense stance?

• A. Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slight bend, weight centered, hands up protecting the face, chin tucked.
• B. Feet together, arms at sides, and chin up.
• C. One foot ahead, hands down.
• D. Stance with feet wide and hands on hips.

Answer: (A)

A solid self-defense stance centers on balance, protection, and readiness to move. Feet shoulder-width apart give a stable base so you don’t wobble when you shift or react. A slight bend in the knees lowers your center of gravity, helping you absorb contact and stay agile. Keeping your weight centered lets you move quickly in any direction without tipping forward or backward. Hands up to guard the face and chin tucked protect your head from strikes while you still have the ability to see and react. Together, these elements keep you defended while preserving mobility.

The other described stances sacrifice one or more of these fundamentals: a narrow base or feet together reduces stability; arms at sides or hands down leave the face exposed; a chin not tucked increases vulnerability; a foot ahead or feet wide with hands on hips disrupts balance and readiness.