Fighting Footwork

There is a large gulf between learning the stepping practise routines and being able to use them in a real fight situation. Not only do the steps have to become inherent within your movement you also have to acquire the ability to observe correctly so that you can take the appropriate steps at the right time.

The unfortunate side effect of drilling patterns is that people start moving in patterns. To be a fighter it is necessary to inhere the movements but forget the patterns.

I have found it necessary to force people to change by changing the exercise and moving them out of their pattern comfort zone to the essence of the movements.

Seven Stars Step Solo Drill

When stepping the weight shifts from one foot to the other. The legs remain flexed so that they are read to move immediately the step has been completed. The step is self-contained and so there is no momentum to hinder the change of direction.

The following clip demonstrates how hard it is to control your footwork when under pressure. However it is essential that you do otherwise the other fellow will dominate your position.

Footwork Training 2

When attacking be ready to retreat if the attack fails and a counterattack is made. When defending be ready to counterattack once the attack has been dissipated.

Observing the feet reveals the weight shifting and the stepping off the line of attack.

As in all Taijiquan it is necessary to begin this training slowly and one step at a time so that conscious understanding can be gained as to what the appropriate step is and why it is better than the other options.

Avoid the Attack with a Single Step

Stepping into a position which forces your opponent to always have to turn to continue his attack prevents him from building a momentum with which to overwhelm you. You are also moving into a superior position to take advantage of his exposed flank.

Once this has been mastered then it is possible to move appropriately as below.

Single Step Defence

To be able to cope with people who are faster than you you must be able to avoid their attacks with the minimal of movement, so that you can deal with their speed by having to move smaller distances in the same time.

This works because your opponent is trying to hit you and must cover a larger distance to get to the target (you) than you need to move to get out of the way.

Single Step defence forces you to keep calm and control your movement in the face of attacks.