Forms and Sets > Short Form 2 > Frequently Asked Questions > Why do some instructors teach a wide kneel stance and some teach a close kneel stance in Short Form Two?

Upon close analysis of stances, one would come to the understanding that the wide kneel stance is the lowered version of the neutral bow stance and the close kneel stance is the lowered version of the forward bow stance. And, through further analysis, one would come to the understanding that the wide kneel has better side-to-side stability than the close kneel. Side-to-side stability is the ability to withstand force (such as a push), and maintain the stance, while the force is being exerted from the side.

So, what does this have to do with Short Form Two? If one were to look at the Point of Reference (this is the position of the imaginary opponent in relation to the practitioner) in Short Form Two for the stances in question, they would determine that the Point of Reference is always to the front (12:00H) of the practitioner. From this analysis, one could conclude that either the wide kneel or the close kneel could be used effectively in this situation.

Next, upon further analysis of the moves in question, one would determine that the Power Principle being isolated is Gravitational Marriage. From this analysis, one could conclude that either the wide kneel or the close kneel could be used effectively without negatively effecting the goal of the form.

Yet, due to the fact that Short Form Two is more directly related to and expands upon Short Form One, which demonstrates the neutral bow, not Long Form One, which demonstrates the forward bow, one could conclude that the wide kneel is the more appropriate stance to use in this situation. But, due to the fact that Short Form Two is now taught directly after Long Form One, some instructors use the close kneel stance instead.