Footwork (2)

Every warrior has to confront the same issue: how do I close distance without being hit? In order to get close enough to strike, I have to get close enough for the opponent to strike me. We can use speed, we can feints, and we can of course, use defenses as we move in.

A variation in stepping: heel-first

In Tai Chi Chuan the heel first stepping is common. It lets us feel our weight transferring. That weight transfer is also what we seek in the opponent – we create kuzushi - (structural off-balancing) - that makes all our follow-up movements effortless. (Pardon the mixing of Tai Chi [Chinese] and Judo [Japanese] terms, but I’m making the point that these concepts are in ALL arts.

1. Heel first – allows us to transition but without committing too soon

2. Weight transfer – at first this should be studied slowly, then when comfortable, go quickly.

3. Forward leg - interferes with the opponent’s structure – You occupy the space their position needs, as Hanshi Bruce Juchnik of the Sei Kosho Shorei Kai would say, “You give ground to take ground”.

4. Upper body produces close-in pressure with the force coming from the rear leg. Imagine a shoulder strike or a bump with the hip….even a head-butt since you are in proximity.

5. Opponent's structure destabilizes – They fall back or collapse straight down, depending on how you strike, turn, or throw.

6. 
   

Realize: The above 5 concepts allow you to: 1) impose your structure in their space/time; 2) dominate their posture through your weight transfer; 3) disrupt their balance through contact with their heel (sometimes called Iruki foot placement), and last but not least, 4) psychological pressure through your relentless intent.