In Shorinji Kempo we make a point of learning to use different hip positions. I forget the exact Japanese names but basically we have hip forwards and hip backwards stances that we use in different situations.
Shorinji Kempo has an unusual herritage that is a mixture of Japanese Jujitsu and Chinese Qi Na (from Northern Shaolin style). For this reason I don't know what the origin of this emphasis on hip position actually is. It might even be a kenjutsu type skill.