Indeed, a stance refers to the body's position from the hips down, and the posture does speak only to one's frame above the waist. This may seem a very trivial distinction, but it is, in fact, one of the most freeing realizations I have ever made in my martial career. The idea that any "posture" can be paired with any "stance" unbinds one's martial art completely. When stance and posture are uncoupled, the martial artist can unlock a seemingly infinite combination of techniques and applicatio...
