Musubi-dachi is one of the most important stances in Shotokan. This is the position from which we bow, although many make the mistake of bowing from heisoku-dachi. This is the position from which we first bow to a partner in kumite, showing them the utmost respect. This is the position you bow in when you enter the dojo, showing complete respect to the dojo and the sensei. And this is also the position from which you bow when you perform kata, paying absolute respect to the art itself. This stance is imperative and although very simple, it is fundamentally one of the most important stances in karate. As the Twenty Principles teach ‘In karate start with a bow and finish with a bow’, and it is from this stance that we do this, only highlighting its significance.