fighting stance

[ˈfaɪtɪŋ stæns]
nounpl: fighting stances
postura de combate
1. A body position or posture adopted by a fighter or boxer to prepare for combat, typically with feet positioned for balance and hands raised for defense and offense
The boxer assumed a fighting stance as the bell rang for the first round.
O boxeador assumiu uma postura de combate quando o sino tocou para o primeiro round.
2. In martial arts, a foundational position that provides stability, mobility, and readiness to deliver or block attacks
The martial arts instructor corrected the student's fighting stance to improve their balance.
O instrutor de artes marciais corrigiu a postura de combate do aluno para melhorar seu equilíbrio.
3. Metaphorically, a position of readiness or confrontation in a non-physical context
The two companies took a fighting stance in their business negotiations.
As duas empresas assumiram uma postura de confronto em suas negociações comerciais.
In Brazilian culture, fighting stance is particularly relevant to capoeira, boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The term is widely understood in urban contexts where martial arts and combat sports are popular. In the USA, the term is most commonly associated with professional boxing and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). The fighting stance is a fundamental element taught from the first lesson in any combat sport.
NYC Slang
ready position, hands up
Synonyms / Sinônimos
combat stanceboxing stancefighting positionguard position
Antonyms / Antônimos
relaxed posturepassive stance

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
postura de combate
Standard translation used across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
guarda de luta
Alternative term commonly used in capoeira and street fighting contexts
São Paulo
postura de combate
Formal usage in boxing gyms and martial arts academies
Portugal
postura de combate
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; occasionally 'atitude de luta'

Related Words

boxerguardfootworkbalancemartial artsdefenseoffense

Related Idioms & Phrases

take a fighting stance
adopt a fighting posture
in fighting trim
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