The Power Of The Horse Stance In The Wim Hof Method

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What is the deal with the horse stance when doing the Wim Hof Method? The Horse Stance originated from the world of traditional Martial Arts and is used as a fundamental exercise for leg mobility, strength, willpower, meditation, Qi Gong, and torture method for students. In the Wim Hof Method, where you endure extremely cold temperatures, the Horse Stance is often done after taking an ice bath or while standing barefooted in the snow. But what's the connection between the Wim Hof Method and traditional Martial Arts? Is there some mystic and secret technique hidden in this century-old stance? It's not only Wim Hof who does this stance. Animes, Mangas, and movies all picture this stance as the ultimate source of power. Even the native culture of New Zealand, the Maori, call this a power stance and use it in their Haka.
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A little bit about myself: I'm Kitaro, a Movement, Kung Fu, and breathwork practitioner and teacher. I don't like fitness. Instead, I like to combine Movement with philosophical thinking - if that makes sense. I try to publish weekly videos. So, if you like my vibe, please subscribe to this channel.
Timestamps (to save you some time):
00:00 Intro
00:45 Basics of the Horse Stance
01:48 Isometric holds and duality of the Horse Stance
03:18 Why do the Horse Stance after taking an ice bath?
06:11 The Power of the mind when doing the Horse Stance
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[@KitaroWaga]

🧡 Support my work by subscribing to my Breathwork Library, and get access to a vast library of guided breathwork videos: academy.kitarowaga.com/checkout/breathwork-library

[@EvieWasacz]

I've been practicing ice-baths for 3 years now and I've experienced a tremendous change in my body and mind. I treat the cold as a mentor who guides me through life. Forever grateful. Thank you for sharing so much knowledge!

[@KitaroWaga]

Thank you

[@m0-m0597]

As a german who is probably going to sit in the dark and cold this winter, this is going to be a useful skill

[@carlsocci379]

@@m0-m0597 Best of luck to you all. God bless.

[@vincentlee7359]

Yes. It truly is a life changing experience. I can now look into the depths of my targets as they take their last breath as cold steel pierces through their body.

[@david4360]

80 years ago germans fuck up europe and now they did it again with help from Usa

[@javierrodriguez2863]

A friend of mine from work showed me this exercises, he's from vietnam and he's in his 70's and strong as an ox, will always implement these no matter what! Peace

[@ramondimas1252]

Through ice bathing I have learned to be less reactive and more accepting of not only physical stimulants but psychological and spiritual. Thank you for sharing this technique in detail.

[@KitaroWaga]

Thanks for your comment

[@l.d.p.9365]

My teacher in high school would make us do the horse stance and would walk behind us with a thin bamboo rod, he called it the rod of focus. If you left your stance because you were tired or not focused he would remind you with the rod. By the time I was 17 I was so strong I could stand like that for however long I needed to. My push-up record was 893 before collapse. This is an excellent way to teach the young to be strong and focused both in mind and body.

[@whitebuffaloblacksheep]

You'd get fired for that now

[@DickOswald]

@@whitebuffaloblacksheep yeah because we like to raise pussies nowadays

[@DeadSoundful]

Damn, wish I had that experience growing up!

[@marvelleonline]

where the hell did you go to hs lmaooooo

[@jonl7855]

The mountains of TIbet bro@@marvelleonline

[@HerbalRemedyMan]

I have been practicing the horse stance for awhile and have found it to be an amazing teaching tool for pain. I push the breath into my legs to relieve the burn and hold the pose longer and that discovery in and of itself was profound. Thank you for your tutorials it's helped me to make sure I am practicing the stance correctly to get optimal benefits. You're channel is amazing, heartfelt, and super informative!

[@KitaroWaga]

Thank you for watching and your nice words 🧡

[@trishareichenberg5093]

Thank you for your tips

[@MatoNupai]

The horse stance is very powerful. I had extreme good fortune to study with a Zhan Zhuang Qigong master in 1973-74. He had me hug a tree where your legs are in the horse stance and the arms as if they’re wrapped around a big tree trunk.

[@serafimkolarov8567]

Why is it powerful?

[@serafimkolarov8567]

Why is it powerful?

[@serafimkolarov8567]

Why is it powerful? Thank you

[@serafimkolarov8567]

Why is it powerful? Thank you

[@serafimkolarov8567]

Why is it powerful? Thank you

[@josephunderhile5804]

I did the horse stance throughout this video longest I've ever made it. Thank you. I feel a calming and positive energy from you and what you are talking about.

[@TheMigueloangel]

Your personality and voice are so peaceful and calming. I needed that. Almost did not finish because I'm always rushing. Thank you...

[@KitaroWaga]

Miguel, thank you for your kind words!

[@GoGoJoeShow]

Thanks for sharing Kitaro. As a person who gets cold easily, I am looking forward to implementing this into my daily routine. Hopefully can get over to you from Germany to train together one time. Stay well my man!

[@kimnenninger7226]

This video is really great because he has a thorough understanding of what the horse stance really does for your body.

[@simonevanson3098]

Never tried the horse stance while doing the Wim Hof breathing method but come the morning I’m going to try it. Many thanks. From strength to strength.

[@KitaroWaga]

It's not the Wim Hof breathing that is done while doing the Horse Stance. It's more of a complementary exercise to the WHM breathing.

[@brianclark5002]

thank you, I will never be an ice bather but your comments on the power of the mind and the benefits of the horse stance are so true. I'm just starting to use the more traditional Tai Chi method of the stance to increase my Chi.

[@alexandermetzler]

Thank you. You have a wonderfully calm way of explaining things.

[@carpepedes3520]

i love this stuff. the stance exudes power balance focus and stability. Kitaro thank you for showcasing it. You have such discipline and man your bare feet are nice!

[@skylinetrading9498]

my guy what sort of fetish are you having there

[@bajuszpal172]

Yes Mr., Kitaro Waga, Ihave spent the time remaining and just accept. The key to it came throught the word and notion of isometric. Previously, despite being trained in martial arts, I have never realized it to be an isometric exercise, which is also used in Karate for the same reasons as you put it. Well done Sir, and all the best. Paul, 67, retired instructor of sports Karate.

[@sylverista3505]

When finish my shower with cold water I noticed I don’t get cold any more in winter. Basically I have my normal shower with hot water I just finish with cold water all over my body if you practice this you’ll never have running nose or cold. Indeed it’s very effective but you have courage to do it every day 😊

[@sawomirlesniewski4448]

Beautiful explanation covering holistic aspects of oneself. It helped me a lot and I am preparing for the winter :)

[@KitaroWaga]

Thank you! Yes, winter is coming - and we're ready!

[@davidcooke2804]

Thanks so much for your work and for sharing 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 You are making a huge contribution to thousands of people’s lives!!!

[@MrAlidor]

Kitaro, I’m so grateful that the universe is made me stumble to your message. I needed this a lot today. I appreciate you sharing your experience. Thank you.

[@Anakena3]

It’s always a pleasure to listen to your teaching. Thank you.

[@oneconsc3333]

Great video brother, nicely explained. Love and blessings 🙏🏼💜🇨🇦

[@helenabok1610]

This is very interesting. You popped up out of nowhere on my YT so I think Universe wants me to start with this horse stand. Going to implement it in my morning routine. Thank you🙏🏻

[@user-kl1gk4gi9y]

Great stuff and nice humble delivery. Refreshing. Thanks. Subscribed.

[@1ReneDumont]

Thank you for the video. Very informative and helpful. 💪🤙

[@davideylerYT]

Wow - excellent content. You're a fantastic teacher!

[@andrewchisholm3665]

Thanks for this it explains a lot. I was on a taster Wim Hoff breathing class in my gym on Saturday and it was great, yes even the ice dunking bit

[@noritube773]

Did anyone hear when he said "You can use these challenging situations as a stimulus to grow." Thanks for sharing!

[@KitaroWaga]

Thanks for watching and the nice comment

[@jacobhoksza6354]

Love your content brother, wholesome and pure! Keep it up

[@KitaroWaga]

I appreciate that! Thank you Jacob

[@jewel2022now]

Thank you. I love your understanding of this. I will try this position more often.

[@KitaroWaga]

Nice to hear! thx for the comment

[@felixk5080]

I find your videos very helpful and get answers to many questions i had about the method. Thank you : )

[@AnthonyFransella]

When I was 12 an man who didn’t normally teach class at our martial arts school had us spend the entire class in horse stance. Nearly 20 years later I would end up training under him and one of his challenges was two hrs of the high meditative horse stance. It’s a wonderful exercise and a great foundation for anything else you want to do in health or fitness.

[@Crownholder]

2 hours is sick bro

[@RobertSpiller]

That's awesome. What other benefits have you received doing this method?

[@AnthonyFransella]

@@RobertSpiller Part of it is just the benefits you get of meditation, but its sort of like meditation with weights if that makes sense. The first hour is physical, the second is really more mental, so you have to work harder to maintain focus and a meditative state. You can't 'push through' like with regular exercise though, by getting intense or angry, because you have to stay meditative, so you're just left alone with your mind. I've heard others say they have more mystical sounding experiences, but I didn't, just a great focusing and toughening exercise. Also my body hurt later :)

[@RobertSpiller]

@@AnthonyFransella That was quick and a big Thank you Anthony.

[@Hurrrrricaaaaane]

Awesome video, thank you for that!

[@JoesGemsPodclips]

Thank you for this video!

[@justwatermoving]

Great insights. Thanks for the discernment between willpower development and use for contemplation/standing meditation.

[@shain6946]

I’m loving these videos, the power of the mind and body. Thank you 🙏

[@KitaroWaga]

Glad you like them! Thanks Shain

[@stuartwakefield1657]

May I suggest a book that helped me 60 years ago. It's called " The Hindu-Yogi Science of Breath by Yogi Ramacharaka in 1903.

[@soundmindbodydivine]

Such a great book. Also, it is on youtube audiobook for free!

[@sebastianpage8507]

Dude.. your videos are ace man! Love it! Thank u! Keep it up 💪❤️

[@KitaroWaga]

Thanks a ton!

[@nigel6862]

Thank you.. Will try 😊

[@m17434]

Thank you, Kitaro! More please.

[@KitaroWaga]

Thanks for watching. More is coming 😉

[@JamieJacksonati]

Wonderful stuff! Thank you.

[@totocristi3676]

Thank you for this video 🙏

[@kennethbedwell4183]

Love the video I train Horsestance every day I also finish of my bath session with a cold shower, in fact your the reason I started taking cold showers last year

[@kev4354]

Great explanation uncomplicated and succinct-ThankYou

[@florianluck141]

Great video, great explanation. Everything I asked for 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@KitaroWaga]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@trevor_osborn]

Touching on the victimentality, I still have to work on it on going but that alone can improve health and energy levels 10x. Just hsve to let it go, acknowledging being a victim only worsens your body. Good job bringing that up and reminding me to feel at peace again 🙏

[@graysonharrisful]

Great video, buddy! Good stuff for sure!

[@RuudAwakening]

So Wim showed something considered impossible, but had to do it without one of the components he used himself for it (the breathing). For the experiment's convenience. And he pulled that off. That man gained another level of AwEsOmE right there! Damn!!

[@KitaroWaga]

Yes, that illustrates very nicely what our minds can do!

[@tedkirk7755]

Phenomenal video - Super informative and motivating!

[@KitaroWaga]

Thank you, Ted!

[@mrdanyel73]

Great video, will definitely incorporate The Horse Stance now after my cold showers

[@woutermolevelt1507]

interesting to know a bit more of the "why", thanks for sharing

[@rudyfire8748]

This is what i need for my evening routine 😊

[@KitaroWaga]

Perfect! Thanks for the comment

[@lefterislef5630]

I've been doing the WHM for about 3 years now, not daily I admit but I still enjoy the results. I really like your approach and your explanations in your channel and I keep coming back to it for a while now. Thank you and keep it up.

[@VIKRAMSINGH-ld6ms]

Is it helpful in fighting cold

[@lefterislef5630]

@@VIKRAMSINGH-ld6ms to me it feels more like accepting the cold rather than fighting it. If you fight it you start shaking and it feels more of a struggle rather than an esoteric journey that teaches you calmness.

[@nenya9065]

Thank you!!!

[@KitaroWaga]

You're welcome, Nenya!

[@randiclark1]

Excellent tutorial- TY Sir!

[@mongeestoico]

I identified with you a lot. It's like a Baki The Grappling vibe. Excellent quality content. gratitude 🙏

[@KitaroWaga]

Thank you that's a great compliment - I love Baki 😁

[@dobhran3851]

Thank you very much 🙏🏻

[@Kornwins]

Very informative! Thanks.

[@KitaroWaga]

You're welcome 🙏

[@bensadream]

Excellent instruction!

[@domenicosimonelli1528]

Thanks 🙏 for your videos ❤🙏

[@Smalltime]

Thanks brother!

[@PrimeflexFitness]

Oh that was that stance for ...! Thanks for the video , it was very helpful!

[@KitaroWaga]

Glad you liked it!

[@bioenergeticsscotland4812]

Great video and great presentation!

[@KitaroWaga]

Thank you!

[@sollacarra63]

Muchas Gracias!

[@michaeleccher4068]

Great video and presentation, very helpful content. I just started doing ice baths, this will be an invaluable addition.

[@jacquelinebrulotte5873]

thanks for this video

[@PieraB]

I love your channel! thank you for explaining this practice so thoroughly and with great insight. I'd love to know more about your breath work course :) can't wait to check it out! And your cute too :P

[@KitaroWaga]

Thank you Piera! I'm on it! The course is in progress :)

[@dogueiravibes]

THIS CHANNEL ITS A UNDERRATED GEM

[@KitaroWaga]

Thanks for the appreciation my friend! Such comments keep me going when time gets tough 😁

[@olddudeonaducati3153]

Thanks so much..

[@mizukarate]

In Goju Karate most people use the higher stance. This is for some mobility when used as an attack. One time years ago I stood in this stance for 30 minutes.

[@KitaroWaga]

Nice! 30 minutes is solid 💪

[@mizukarate]

@@KitaroWaga Did it over 25 years ago. I heard that Shoto-Kan Karate used 30 min for it's black belt test.

[@freddie3858]

Thanks for this video Kitaro! I'll surely start doing this. It looks like Kiba Dachi, right? I do have an issue with my back, getting it straight in line and therefor leaning forward. Is there an addtional excersie or something to do that the right way? Thank you

[@niro8092]

Thank you.

[@BennoKlass]

Cool Video! I Really like your channel😇

[@dna1238]

❤ 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉,great explanation of the horse stance and its benefits 👏 and the broader goals ❤

[@dmitryvishnevsky5170]

great content!

[@KitaroWaga]

Thanks a lot

[@dogueiravibes]

Very good video, THANKS a Lot 🇧🇷✌🏾✌🏾

[@KitaroWaga]

You are welcome, André! Thanks for the comment 🙏

[@regprofant8609]

Great educational video.

[@KitaroWaga]

Big thanks!

[@benjaminwesercreative]

beautifully worded

[@karatemom24RedHawk]

I found this fascinating as a 3rd level black belt in karate. I practice daily and found this useful to add to my program. Thank you for the video. With your permission, I will add it to my study list.

[@KitaroWaga]

Thanks for your comment 🤗 You don't need my permission, everything I share is free to use 😉

[@galga637]

Thank you 🙏

[@KitaroWaga]

Any time!

[@lwandilemakubalo7477]

Love it.

[@KitaroWaga]

Thanks for watching

[@xerxesman1]

Im surprised more people didnt like this video. This is really good. And I admire you not being bothered by peoples judgement as I've seen you practice this outside aswell. something I can't do without feeling stabbed by other peopels eyes. One day I hope to achieve that. Best of luck! :)

[@KitaroWaga]

Thank you, Martin! Well, not being bothered by the stares of other people was something I needed to work up to. And I still do as I'm not a very extroverted person by nature. This would be actually a good video idea, thanks 😁

[@JeffCaplan313]

​@@KitaroWaga That would make for an EXCELLENT video. I live in a city and practice "mindful walking" regularly and I treat the uncomfortable feelings I get from the energy of other people VERY similarly to the uncomfortable feelings I get while exercising. Total game changer. ✌️

[@Troglor048]

​@@JeffCaplan313 Mindful walking? Like slow, taichi, bagua?

[@JeffCaplan313]

@@Troglor048 slow or fast...the thing that makes mindful walking is being so mindful of your intentions to walk, so the pace is always perfect.

[@fd4511]

@@Troglor048 it's walking with full presence in the moment and each body part. Being mindful of any tension and consciously releasing it. Externally it looks like a graceful walk. It can be fast or slow, as long you keep full awareness in the moment and keep your thoughts to a minimum by focusing on breath and body sensation.

[@vincentpagano1686]

Very Nice Kitaro. Curious to know what your diet is like.

[@heyArkay]

Seen it many times in movies and such and never ever attempted...assuming it's easy, how wrong was I 😁...thanks for the info and instruction 👍 Does the burn (assuming it's the lactic acid buildup) need rest after the horse stance exercise or use as a start up to engage in other sport (say tennis) afterwards?

[@jackforeman3687]

In the book man myth and magic the lady that was traveling through the Himalayas came upon a bunch of guys that were sitting in a stream meditating and there were others that were putting cold wet blankets over top of them and I don't believe they were doing any physical movement but they were just drawing it but I don't remember whether they were doing the breathing techniques or not they probably were that's an interesting book if you ever want to read it about her life of going through the Himalayas seeing all sorts of strange things

[@billpetersen298]

Have you read? into the silence.

[@reginaldwilliams3875]

Most excellent

[@KitaroWaga]

Thanks

[@joshm847]

Will my posture get better over time while.doing this. Cuz I lean forward a lot, my knees aren't over my feet .

[@Buttmannopfer19]

Finally, this explains why I get cold after showers despite doing calisthetics!

[@TheSackSwordsman]

You put me on the horse stance with your other video abt it. I also do it dynamic and side to side but super slow

[@KitaroWaga]

I'm sorry for torturing you again 😜

[@erijqudus1960]

I was always fascinated with the martial arts, I had also attended 2 schools, in one location run by a Korean Person many different senior artists came & monitored our practicing exercises but none ever talked about the philosophy of the art; and I also thought all this fighting is for defence, not until now. I am 77 years old & only 2 days ago I learned about the Horse Stance, I feel like I wasted most of my energy in trying to learn superflupus stuff which is a shame. Most of these Karate Schools are businesses, they make money from fees & selling the paraphinalia, yelling and jerky movements are name of the game in those places however, I am taking ONE lesson right NOW, Blaming others & complaining about Bad conditions does not solve the problems or improve the situations around us. I am not ready for icy waters yet but I will incorporate at least One Cold Shower/day (I live in Maine where water temperatures are very low) and stay in the horse stance as long as my body will allow me. My First mistake, I am letting my body contro;l my action & not the mind controlling the body. It will take a lot of practice and WILL POWER. Thank you Mr. Kitaro Waga.

[@NBeev1]

I imagine a Wall Sit would work just as well if you lack the mobility for example.

[@Crimepaysaskapolitician]

That's a very nice tub,where can I get one?

[@SC-vb2ui]

Awesome 🤔 ⛲💚 How cold would work for Vata body type in Ayroveda ⛲🙏

[@hellfrozen3678]

the horse stance is a verry powerfull technique that can be helpfull for anyone,no matter what goals they have,It helped me in chalistenic,flexibility and boxing and I am sure it could help anyone doing any sports

[@wakeupp563]

hey in what way did it help you? did it make your tendons stronger? did you gain muscles faster?

[@josephcarbone5379]

U r very good

[@ManjeetSingh-rt1lc]

I may correct you that lateral moving of vertabtea column produces heat

[@jawohl3547]

Hi Kitaro! Great content, superb quality. Without cheap marketing tricks, just plain knowledge. Much appreciated! Quick question - for beginner what is more important in horse stance - maintaining 90* degree with your back and floor or getting as low as so upper tights are parallel to the floor? When I'm trying to go lower, my back just can't hold 90* degree it's rather 45* , so leaning forward much. thanks!

[@Mr440c]

Maintaining your back is a priority. You must never sacrifice a proper form for progress. Otherwise you're destroying your body. In your case it will be your lower back.

[@kobi2260]

Hi! First of all, great video as always! I wanted to ask, I don't do normally ice cold baths, but I do cold showers (even though it's not that cold in this time of year) When would you recommend implementing the horse stance in my daily routine? Usually I do Yoga, straight into Pranayama in the mornings, Do you think it fits in this morning routine, or should me inserted elsewhere? Thank you for spreading light brother!!!

[@KitaroWaga]

Hey Kobi, thank you for your comment! An option is to do the Horse Stance after your cold shower or in your cold shower if you shower longer (5 - 10 mins). Alternatively, you can do it somewhere between your Yoga practice and Pranayama.

[@dragoscolumbeanu1357]

what can you say about cold allergie?

[@nonenone2907]

Which is better?Kibadachi (ma bu) or Shikodachi?I do Gojuryu and Kyanshorinryu we don't have kibadachi (ma bu).