In Japanese the general term for standing is tachi (立ち) but is changed to dachi when used as a suffix. It comes from the verb 立つ (tatsu), to stand. In martial arts, tachi refers to either a standing posture or position; a way of standing or a stance; or standing techniques (as opposed to kneeling or seated ones). Tachi is used as a suffix for stances or postures in the martial arts. For example:
• Kokutsu-dachi (後屈立ち) – back stance
• Zenkutsu-dachi (前屈立ち) – front stance
• Kiba-dachi (騎馬立ち) – horse stance
• Neko-ashi-dachi (猫足立ち) – cat stance
Here, -dachi / -tachi means: “standing posture” or “stance.”
It can also mean “standing techniques” vs seated techniques. In iaido and koryū, Tachi-waza (立ち技) means standing techniques. Suwari-waza (座り技) means seated techniques. Hanmi-handachi (半身半立ち) means one person standing, one kneeling.
In many iai and kenjutsu schools, kata are divided into Tachi-ai no buBu 武 is the principle of disciplined martial power used to prevent chaos, guided by ethics, self-control, and responsibility. More (立合の部), or standing techniques, and Iwaza (居技), or seated techniques.
In kenjutsu / koryū you’ll see terms like • Tachi-ai (立会 / 立合) for a standing encounter • Tachi-sugata (立ち姿) for a standing form or posture • Tachi-gata (立ち型) for a standing form (as opposed to seated kata).
Tachi 立ち, meaning standing, is not to be confused with Tachi 太刀, meaning a long sword.
