Proper Footwork and Natural Movement
The essence of proper footwork lies in moving naturally, treading firmly from heel to toe, and maintaining consistency between everyday movement and combat, avoiding specialized steps that disrupt balance and poise.
THE IDEA
UNDERSTANDING THE MOVEMENT OF YOUR BODY THROUGH PROPER FOOTWORK
There is no difference between walking and running into battle or walking and running in everyday life except for speed. Proper movement of the body depends entirely on the manner in which you carry yourself. The feet carry the body and the body directs the feet. Tread firmly with the heel touching the ground first and then roll forward to the ball of your foot. Practice this until you appear to move without motion. Do not use different types of steps such as jumping, gliding or hopping. Combat is an aspect of your everyday life if you follow the path of the warrior. Do not allow for differences in your attitude. Refer back to the discussion on stances and positions. “Special” types of movements are used specifically for special techniques and are not to be cultivated to form your being-in-motion. Walking is walking, whether in an excursion to the park or in a combat maneuver.
The ancients tell us to walk in the manner of Yin and Yang. Even when you step forward, backward, or sideways with one foot, the other foot is not to be considered apart from the whole. When you attack right foot forward or when you attack left foot forward, the idea is to move the body and not just the feet. The incorrect way of moving the feet will eventually trip you up and make you lose your balance. This is bad for the warrior, as it causes a loss of poise. You should practice all techniques from both sides of the body. In this way you will not become used to functioning from only one direction. To do so is foolish and diminishes your abilities. Do not be a “righty” or a “lefty.” Become both by practicing your movements from all directions.
When to use it
Practicing martial arts forms to develop neutral, ambidextrous stances.
Observing coordination and balance in ordinary movement.
Discussing footwork with an instructor who can distinguish the demands of the particular sport.
Using the concept to maintain calm and poise during confrontational situations by moving naturally.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Fencing Match
In the source’s martial practice, a student works on coordinated steps and maintaining balance as direction changes. Apply the instruction within that practice rather than assuming that every fencing movement uses the same step.
Daily Walking
During ordinary walking practice, a student notices how the body and feet move together. Uneven terrain may require adjustments; the source’s description alone does not establish an injury-prevention benefit.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How does your daily walking posture differ from your posture during stressful situations? How can you make them consistent?
In what areas of your life do you favor one side or one approach? How can you practice balance?
Observe your footwork in both relaxed and tense moments. What adjustments could you make to move without motion?
Often confused with
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Musashis book of five rings the definitive interpretation of Miyamoto Musashis classic book of strategy (Kaufman, SteveMiyamoto, Musashi)