The Stance-o-Matic

We use a wide variety of teaching aids with our students. Some are things we've made; some are ordinary items that we make use of in unusual ways. I plan to post them here on the blog, as I have time to write up descriptions of both the tool, and how we use it.

First up: The Stance-o-Matic.

This one is simple, both in design and in use.

Beginning students, in particular, and most students, at times, may have trouble keeping enough space between their feet while moving. As the footwork increases in complexity or tempo, and/or as the student fatigues, there is a tendency to bring the heels closer and closer together.

This is most commonly caused by the student moving the back foot a different distance than the front foot has moved, or will move.

We created a simple tool to help remind the student of the need to maintain a wide base, and to give them immediate feedback on whether or not they have done so, without the student needing to break their position in order to look at their feet.



The Stance-o-Matic is used by putting one of the elastic loops around each ankle, and positioning it so that the wooden bead is on the inside of the ankle. While on guard, this puts the plastic tube in a position to keep the heels at the appropriate distance apart. When the student moves, the elastic stretches to allow the movement, and then returns to position at the end of the move.
If the student's feet are no longer the same distance apart, either
a) the Stance-o-Matic will bump up against their ankles and let them know they have moved their feet closer together, or
b) there will still be tension in the elastic, letting them know they have moved their feet further apart.

(Elastic placed on outside of pants leg in order for placement to be more visible for this picture.)

To receive the greatest benefit, the length of the Stance-o-Matic should be matched to the size of the student, so that it is one and one-half to two times the length of the student's foot.

To make the Stance-o-Matic:
Read through the instructions and the notes at the end.

Parts list:
(1) length of pvc tubing, 1/2" in diameter
(1) length of elastic, 1/4" to 1/2" wide, approximately twice the length of the tube
(2) wooden beads, large enough not to go through the tubing, with a hole large enough to put elastic through

Step one:
If not already done, cut the tube to the length desired. It should be one and one half to two times the length of the student's foot.

Step two:
Thread one end of the elastic through one of the wooden beads.
Make a loop, and tie a knot large enough that the loop will not go through the wooden bead.

Step three:
Thread the free end of the elastic through the tube.
Then, once it comes out of the tube, thread it through the other wooden bead.

Step four:
Repeat step two: make a loop, and tie it so that it won't go back through the bead.

Notes:
You should end up with a pattern of loop-bead-tube-bead-loop. (see first image, above)
The elastic should be relaxed, and not stretched.

You might want to start with a longer length of elastic, and cut it after making the second loop, until you get a feel for how long it needs to be. Some of that depends on the size of the hole in the bead, and therefore, the size of the knot you need to make.

You also may need to experiment with the size of the loop.
Both loops should be approximately the same size, and a little smaller than the average ankle. You want them to need to stretch the loop to get it on, so that it won't slip off during use. If necessary, you can tie an extra overhand knot in the loop to make it smaller for someone with smaller ankles, then untie it for the next student.


The simplest use of this tool is during advances and retreats, but it stretches to allow a variety of movements. With other movements, it may not lie straight between the ankles, but that's okay. As long as the student knows where it is supposed to be, it will accomplish the goal of immediate feedback.

Important:
As with all teaching aids, the student should always attempt to do the move correctly, and allow the aid to give feedback, and NOT simply try to get the tool to end up in a certain place.