In
Japanese, this word means
ready. Upon this
command from a
sensei,
karate students assume yoi, or the ready position, one of the first
stances learned.
The
feet are positioned
shoulder-length apart with the
toes pointing straight ahead and knees slightly bent. Elbows should nearly touch the sides and the
hands should be in a fist at about waist level with the
palms facing toward the
body and about five
inches apart.
From this
position, it is easy to quickly assume any other
stance.