Jigotai - defensive body posture

Jigo hontai

Migi jigotai

Hidari jigotai

Jigotai means the defensive position, but there is no actual permanent defensive position. Jigotai is merely a momentary induced temporary position from which one returns to Shizentai.

In the deep defensive position (Jigotai) the feet are much wider than in Shizentai, slightly wider than your own shoulders. TORI is slightly bend in the knees, so that his center of gravity is a little lower than normal. TORI holds during this position body tension, especially the abdominal muscles to fend off an attack accordingly. Here is the lowered center of gravity is advantageous.

There are three types of Jigotai:

Jigo hontai normal defensive position, both feet are located on the same axis.
Migi jigotai - right defensive position, the right foot is a little out of Jigo Hontai moved forward.
Hidari jigotai - left defensive position, the left foot is a little out of Jigo Hontai moved forward.