The Mechanical Model

In turning and stepping movements, three elements must agree at the finish:

• Base direction (feet and stance line)
• Hip direction
• Shoulder direction

If these three are not aligned at the moment of finish, rotation sequencing is incorrect.

Proper sequence:

Base sets → hips align → shoulders align → technique finishes.

Improper sequence:

Shoulders lead → hips chase → base corrects late.

That correction is what creates micro-adjustments.

Rotation Creates Stance Direction

Most stance errors are not stance knowledge errors. They are rotational timing errors.

• Over-rotation opens the stance.
• Under-rotation leaves the stance square.
• Early shoulder turn pulls the body off the base.
• Late hip turn causes post-landing correction.

When rotation is sequenced correctly, the stance lands accurate on the first attempt. No shuffle. No twist. No correction.

Where Rotation Breaks

• Shoulders lead: upper body rotates before the base is set.
• Over-rotation: hips pass the intended line and unwind after landing.
• Standing tall to turn: vertical reset before pivoting.
• Landing misaligned: stance direction must be adjusted after finish.

Advanced Principle: Base First

The base must accept weight before rotation completes. If rotation completes before the base stabilizes, alignment will be unstable.

Stable rotation feels like the stance “arrives into place.” Unstable rotation feels like landing and fixing.

Diagnostic Questions

• Do you ever adjust your front foot after landing?
• Do your hips twist again after the technique finishes?
• Does your torso finish before your stance settles?
• Do you lose height consistency during turns?

If yes, rotation sequencing is the likely cause.

White Belt → Black Belt Expression

• Beginner: stop over-rotating and leaning.
• Intermediate: remove adjustment steps after turns.
• Advanced: stance direction lands perfectly at speed with zero correction.

Coaching Cues

• “Base first.”
• “Land aligned the first time.”
• “No unwind after finish.”
• “Feet, hips, shoulders agree.”

Refinement Drills