Bowleggedness and stances

[zatojoshi]

Does anyone else have/had a problem with bowleggedness? The other day my Karate sensei pointed out that my kibadachi is extremely bow-legged (my knees were pointing outward instead of straight forward). I haven't really noticed this until I recently lost weight and my legs got skinnier. I was bowlegged and flat-footed as a child, I guess that has something to do with it.

It doesn't cause me any pain, it just makes my stances look terrible, and my new kata exaggerates that problem (lots of kokutsu and kibadachis). My kaki dachi is terrible. I am rather flexible, and I wonder if that might be a cause too. Any suggestions?

[Gene Williams]

Does anyone else have/had a problem with bowleggedness? The other day my Karate sensei pointed out that my kibadachi is extremely bow-legged (my knees were pointing outward instead of straight forward). I haven't really noticed this until I recently lost weight and my legs got skinnier. I was bowlegged and flat-footed as a child, I guess that has something to do with it.

It doesn't cause me any pain, it just makes my stances look terrible, and my new kata exaggerates that problem (lots of kokutsu and kibadachis). My kaki dachi is terrible. I am rather flexible, and I wonder if that might be a cause too. Any suggestions?

Find a style that uses shiko instead of kiba. :D That was mean...you may want to talk to an orthopedist or a physical trainer about it. Most sensei will make exceptions and adapt. I don't see how it would be a problem in cat stance, shiko, or zenkutsu dachi. Not sure about sanchin dachi. Good luck.