How to Do the Horse Stance in Kung Fu

Co-authored by Yvonne Mo

Last Updated: June 5, 2025 Approved

This article will teach you how to do the Horse Stance (aka Horse Riding Stance). This stance is also included in karate but is known as sumo stance in most karate schools.^{[1]
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Yvonne Mo
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The lowness of the stance varies in Kung Fu styles, mainly northern and southern: northern is a more relaxed higher stance whereas southern is right down near the ground. Be aware not to put your knees forward or outward over the toes.^{[3]
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To train yourself further with using this stance, first find a stick, assume the horse stance and then place the stick on top of your knees.
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Yvonne Mo
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Why do I need to do horse squatting?

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Horse squatting is important in developing a solid stance, and will also aid in developing thigh muscles.

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Why do you keep your knees over your feet in a general horse stance?

Kendallyn Alexander

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The point of doing the horse stance is to help you build core stability from the legs.

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If you are not stong, how do you do it?

Kendallyn Alexander

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The kegel muscles, which are also called the pc muscles for the pubococcygeus, are one of several muscle groups involved.

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Tips

Don't try too hard. Go at your pace.

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You may want to hold out your arms forward in front of you; this makes the stance harder to do but you will be stronger for it.

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Try to increase the time of holding this stance every day, even if is just 1 more second. Try to beat your record at your own pace, don't force it.

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Warnings

This move is not recommended if you have bad bones in your knees, bad joints or any other conditions (e.g arthritis), you may do this if you want but take extra care and take it easier than the usual student.

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Don't try to copy movies and stay up for hours right at the start of training, don't strain or overtrain.

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Not to be used in combat, this stance is not used in combat, standing like this in a fight will result in pain (especially for men). This stance is to exercise and strengthen the legs.

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