Karate Stances

[Fish]

Wado ryu has similar stances to the Shotokan list posted above, but they are narrower/ higher. A couple of stances not mentioned above are

Naihanchi (Naifanchi) Dachi - similar to horse riding stance, but with feet and knees pointing slightly inward. used in Naihanchi (Naifanchi) Kata.

Hanmi-Neko-Ashi-Dachi - half turned cat stance - (as opposed to the forward facing Shomen-Neko-Ashi-Dachi), similar weight distribution and posture to Kokotsu-Dachi (back stance), but the heel of the front foot is raised off the ground.

Gyaku-Neko-Ashi-Dachi - reverse cat stance - weight mostly on front foot, rear knee pressed into the back of front knee -rear heel off the ground.

Jigotei - a wide yoyi stance used as for the opening of Kushenku Kata

I believe many of the stances are used to demonstrate the movement of body weight/ centre of gravity as a preliminary or during the course of delivering techniques (including grappling and throws). Studying the motion of body weight/ centre of gravity during the kata can give insight into the true nature of the technique being performed.

[bushido_man96]

ps1 is right about the stances being transitional, I think. Tallgeese is also on point, using a singular stance to be ready in, and then you use your transitions from there.