What is a bladed stance?

• A. Feet together facing forward with your hands at sides
• B. Feet shoulder width apart standing side on with your hands up
• C. Knees locked, hands on hips
• D. One leg forward, arms extended

Answer: (B)

Bladed stance is a defensive posture that presents a narrow profile to an opponent while keeping you ready to move. It typically means feet about shoulder-width apart, the body turned to the side rather than facing the opponent squarely, and the hands up to guard the head and torso. This side-on alignment minimizes exposed target area and allows quick hip rotation and footwork for evasive movement or striking. The other options don’t fit because a square stance with feet together and facing forward exposes more of the body and reduces guard; locking knees with hands on hips leaves you unprotected and stiff; and a forward leg with arms extended sacrifices balance and shielding, making you slower to react.