Stances and ready positions
Polomski
We call this stance the Polomski since it is adapted from a Polish dance manual written by Szczesny Polomski in the early 20th century. It can be done with the right leg forward and with the axe over the left shoulder as well but the strong hand (right in this instance) remains on the butt end of the weapon. This is a good set up stance for a strong downward blow with a passing step either forward or back. It is also a good set up for a turning blow.
Hungarian
A very relaxed but somewhat odd stance. Dominant hand at the butt of the weapon weak side leg forward. Due to the light weight of the mountain axe we keep our strong hand back so we are able to swing it with one hand. This stance was learned from Russ Mitchell at his class at ISMAC some years ago.
Zbojnici Back and Forward
Both of these stances are adapted from both Rusyn and Gorale dance. Zbojnici is a name for brigands in the High Tatra Mountains. The grip is different than in the previous two attitudes with the dom. hand being higher up. This leaves room at the butt for the off hand to come into play and lets the axe be held in a more familar wood chopping grip if need be. THe back stance makes for a good strong strike passing forward while the front stance is fairly defensive.
