Many new students have difficulty using their feet. I'm not referring to kicking in this article; I'm talking about footwork, positioning and dynamic movement. This is one thing that is difficult to master. Until you have it "under your belt" so to speak, you don't use your feet in the correct way and will be left frustrated and disheartened so let s get started!
Why is good footwork important
1. Good footwork gets you into striking range where you can hit.
2. Good footwork gets you out of striking range where you'll avoid being hit or worse yet, killed.
3. Good footwork allows you to maximize your opportunities quickly, smoothly and precisely
4. Good footwork also gets you back from point B to point A, or from point B to point C, where point C is a different position to that in which you started at Point A.
The most effective way to move is by sliding particularly in karate kumite, and the golden rule is this
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Whichever direction you want to move, move that foot first!
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So if you want to slide forward, pick up your front foot and push with your back leg. If you want to move back, pick up your back foot and push with your front. If you want to move left, move your left foot first by pushing with your right, and vice versa for moving to your right.
Sounds easy huh
Just watch how awkwardly some people try to move when they move their back foot first reminds me of the hunchback hobbling along dragging his leg behind.
Final tips for karate kumite (sparring)
Always be in a hurry to gain position before doing a technique. Don t compromise your technique by leaning or overbalancing, instead use those feet to get you to position quickly!
When fighting someone who has the opposite leg forward to you (mirror stance), always slide to the OUTSIDE line of your opponent s front foot. From here you have the added advantages of sweeping the leg, striking unprotected targets and you make it difficult for them to hit you.
Nearly always move from your starting point (A) to your striking point (B) and then when exiting move to point C. Moving back to Point A is predictable, and staying at Point B is asking for trouble, so move to a new position, Point C to confuse your opponent.
Only lift your feet as much as you have to in order to propel yourself in one direction or another. Lifting your feet too high will transfer more weight onto your other leg making it slower and more difficult to move into and out of position.
Use the "Double Shuffle" by stringing together two single slides. This is an extremely easy way to move forward or backward very quickly. As soon as you complete your first slide forward, immediately repeat the process and you'll have created a double shuffle. This is great when sparring at long distance.
Tips For Karate Kumite Footwork And Dynamic Movement
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