Reconnecting with Stability, Balance, and Power
Base is where it all begins. Whether you’re stepping onto the mats for the first time, returning after years away, or simply looking to grow stronger, the principle of base is the foundation for everything we do in martial arts—and in life.
This first lesson in my 2025 Martial Arts Living Strong Blueprint: Building Body, Mind, and Spirit series focuses on reconnecting with your base—understanding what it means to be grounded, balanced, and connected. For adults who may not have exercised in years—hardworking parents and grandparents alike—this is where we start.
What Is Base?
In martial arts, base refers to your connection to the ground and your ability to stay balanced and stable no matter what movement you’re making. Think of it like the roots of a tree—deep, strong, and steady. Without those roots, the tree topples over in the slightest wind.
A solid base:
✅ Keeps you stable and balanced during stances, strikes, and blocks.
✅ Allows you to generate power and control from the ground up.
✅ Helps you stay calm and unshakable under pressure, both physically and mentally.
Base is more than just a stance—it’s a principle that carries into all aspects of life. When your foundation is strong, you’re better equipped to handle challenges with confidence and control.
Movements to Reconnect With Your Base
In this first lesson, we focus on three key movements to build and feel your base:
1. Horse Stance (Kima Jaseh)
- Step your feet wide, about two shoulder-widths apart.
- Bend your knees like you’re sitting on a low stool.
- Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and weight evenly distributed.
- Why it matters: Horse stance teaches you to root yourself into the ground and feel the strength of a solid, unshakable base.
2. Weight Shifting Drill
- From the horse stance, gently shift your weight side to side.
- Keep your knees bent, feet grounded, and movements controlled.
- Why it matters: Weight shifting helps you stay connected while moving, teaching balance and stability in transitions.
3. Front Stance (Chongul Jaseh)
- Step forward with your left foot into a front stance: front knee bent, back leg straight, feet shoulder-width apart.
- Sink your weight into the ground while keeping your posture upright and strong.
- Hold, breathe, and switch legs.
- Why it matters: Front stance connects stability to forward motion, allowing you to move with purpose while maintaining balance.
Would Videos Help You Practice?
If you’d like a visual demonstration of these movements—horse stance, weight shifting, and front stance—feel free to let me know! I’m happy to create simple videos to help you practice and get the most out of these lessons. Leave a comment or reach out, and I’ll make it happen.
Applying Base to Movement
A strong base makes all martial arts techniques more effective. For example:
- A punch becomes stronger when it’s rooted in a stable stance.
- A block holds firm because your base keeps you balanced and connected.
Try this at home: Step into a front stance, perform a simple low block, and follow it with a straight punch. Notice how your base supports and strengthens each movement. Without connection to the ground, your technique loses power and control.
Base Beyond Martial Arts
The principle of base isn’t just physical—it’s mental and emotional, too. In life, a strong base means:
- Staying calm and grounded under pressure.
- Adapting to challenges without losing balance.
- Building a foundation of habits, thoughts, and actions that support growth.
When you reconnect with your base on the mats, you learn to reconnect with your foundation in life.
Let’s Build Your Base Together
This lesson is the starting point of my 2025 Martial Arts Living Strong Blueprint—a training plan I’ve created as I recover from two hip replacements and prepare to return to the mats at 64 years young.
For those of you joining me for 30 days of free martial arts training starting January 11th, this principle of base will be where we start. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to this series to follow along and get access to each new lesson, article, and resource.
Your Homework: Practice Your Base
Take 5-10 minutes today to practice:
1️⃣ Horse Stance – Feel grounded and connected.
2️⃣ Weight Shifting – Move with balance and control.
3️⃣ Front Stance – Find your stability in forward motion.
Let me know how it feels—what did you notice? Share your thoughts, questions, or biggest takeaways in the comments below or reach out to me directly. And remember, if you’d like videos to guide you through these movements, just ask—I’m here to help.
Together, let’s build a strong foundation—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
As always, Live Strong.
Peter Simon Liciaga
Living Strong – The Martial Way
P.S. If you haven’t signed up yet for the 30 days of free martial arts training, there’s still time! Join me on the mats starting January 11th, and let’s begin this journey together. Details are in the comments!
