Basic Footwork in Self Defense
The application of proper footwork is very important when fighting. Poor footwork can lead to becoming unbalanced which well end in your defeat. Good footwork can be used to your advantage through strategic measures. It can be used to keep distance (whether it is close or far), to manoeuvre around obstacles and to create unpredictability. It is also the basis of evasiveness.
To ensure you keep balance, use small quick non distinctive steps. To ensure fluidity and prevention of telegraphing, springiness is the key. Telegraphing is when your actions are obvious enough so that your opponent can predict what you are going to do. You should be in constant movement, by always use the minimum effective distance.
All of the following types of footwork are best used from the Fighters Position.
Side Stepping
Side Stepping can be used to quickly gain a better position for attack or to avoid straight rushes. The secret is to move late and quick. To Side Step to the right, move your right lead foot sharply to the right, a distance of about 18 inches, then bring your left foot an equal distance behind it. To side step left is similar. Bring your left foot sharply to the left and forward a distance of about 18 inches, and follow it with your right. The examples just given assume that your right leg is forward most ie you are leading with your right side.
Quick Advance and Retreat
The Quick Advance is useful to close the distance and/or for attack. Lunge forward taking small steps with your front foot moving first followed by your rear foot. Your body crouches towards the floor to maintain balance. Keep your distance and move in close only when the right opportunity arises. To perform a Quick Retreat, just do the same but backwards. Move your back foot first. Be sure to not attempt attack whilst retreating and never take more than three steps back unless you are sure you know what is behind you.
Side Steps can be combined with Advance or Retreats to create diagonal actions. This should be performed so that you can make unexpected changes in direction to gain strategic placement
Switching
If you wish to change you lead side, use the Switch. It is handy to cause confusion in your opponent if he has gotten accustomed to your original lead, but is more commonly used when naturally flowing on after striking. This is easily done by just stepping through eg when kicking or in combination. A quick switch can be made by way of a a little jump, but be sure the jump is made as low to the ground as possible.
Any type of advancing footwork can be used to increase power in a strike. Be sure that when your advancing for attack that your lead foot does not land before the strike.
These are the basics of footwork. There are other 'types' of footwork but if you get good at these, then it is all you will need. Once you have these fundamentals installed in your muscle memory, then it will not matter how you move. You will not need to think about keeping balanced because you just will.
To ensure you keep balance, use small quick non distinctive steps. To ensure fluidity and prevention of telegraphing, springiness is the key. Telegraphing is when your actions are obvious enough so that your opponent can predict what you are going to do. You should be in constant movement, by always use the minimum effective distance.
All of the following types of footwork are best used from the Fighters Position.
Side Stepping
Side Stepping can be used to quickly gain a better position for attack or to avoid straight rushes. The secret is to move late and quick. To Side Step to the right, move your right lead foot sharply to the right, a distance of about 18 inches, then bring your left foot an equal distance behind it. To side step left is similar. Bring your left foot sharply to the left and forward a distance of about 18 inches, and follow it with your right. The examples just given assume that your right leg is forward most ie you are leading with your right side.
Quick Advance and Retreat
The Quick Advance is useful to close the distance and/or for attack. Lunge forward taking small steps with your front foot moving first followed by your rear foot. Your body crouches towards the floor to maintain balance. Keep your distance and move in close only when the right opportunity arises. To perform a Quick Retreat, just do the same but backwards. Move your back foot first. Be sure to not attempt attack whilst retreating and never take more than three steps back unless you are sure you know what is behind you.
Side Steps can be combined with Advance or Retreats to create diagonal actions. This should be performed so that you can make unexpected changes in direction to gain strategic placement
Switching
If you wish to change you lead side, use the Switch. It is handy to cause confusion in your opponent if he has gotten accustomed to your original lead, but is more commonly used when naturally flowing on after striking. This is easily done by just stepping through eg when kicking or in combination. A quick switch can be made by way of a a little jump, but be sure the jump is made as low to the ground as possible.
Any type of advancing footwork can be used to increase power in a strike. Be sure that when your advancing for attack that your lead foot does not land before the strike.
These are the basics of footwork. There are other 'types' of footwork but if you get good at these, then it is all you will need. Once you have these fundamentals installed in your muscle memory, then it will not matter how you move. You will not need to think about keeping balanced because you just will.
