Many of us have trained in arts that have side stances and front stances, both have their advantages and weaknesses. A front stance is usually stronger, and all of your tools are in a position where they can execute a technique with minimal telegraphy, however you are less evasive.

A side stance gives your tools on the one side great speed and snap, and your dimensions are less, giving your opponent less surface to strike, but rear techniques can be easily telegraphed.

But the question is, when involved in a self defence situation where the aggressor squares off with you, which form would you use?

Side stance. Protects the vitals, including the "family jewels". I know front stances are useful sometimes, but IMO I'd rather protect myself first.

When squaring off? Natural/neutral stance. So, none of the above.

Neutral bow. Still some telegraphing from the rear, but kenpo uses alot of counters and lead hand/foot attacks to set up the power move from behind. And this is without sacrificing too much defense.

Eyrie

By neutral stance, I assume you mean a non-threatening standing position? If an attack is not only anticipated, but is seen prepared, would you really maintain a position with nothing guarding vital spots like your face?

I normally train from a normal walking stance for SD. Simply because that's the stance I'm most likely to be in if I find myself in an SD situation. Changing stance takes time and in an SD situation a fraction of a second can make a big difference.

Chang

Since most "real" self-defense situations do not involve ANYONE "squareing off" with you.
I would have to say that I would use a "neutral" stance.

One of the larger problems of folks perceptions with MA is that many people train--at least in their heads--for a "lets step outside" kinda thing with the guy that used to bully them in high school.

"Real" self defense situations are seldom so clean cut.

Seldom do you "square off", seldom do you even know its coming until the attack is made.
Most of the time you simply don't have the chance to "square off" and get ready to fight.

And if you do?
I would recommend that you DON'T assume any sort of formal fighting stance.
Why let your oppt know your trained in ANY form of self defense?
Element of surprise might be all you need to win.

[This message has been edited by cxt (edited 04-06-2005).]

90% weight on back leg (wing chun). Except I don't make it look like I wanna fight, and I continue to negotiate the situation. I just take a little step back and shift my weight.

Funakoshi said it best,"at first practice stances,then rely on your own posture." I don't think you want to break into a traditional stance in a real situation. All body types are different and so will be the posture of the practitioner.
Bruce Lee(and I hate to drag him into this) recognized this and disliked stances. He relied on his own posture.

Neutral...with weight on back leg for manueverability...KF style. I try to maintain a posture that does not say I'm ready to fight. We actually do not have a "square off" stance for that matter.