Self Defence 9: Footwork
Footwork is the key to all effective self defence. It is important enough to be considered the first step in preparing for any type of confrontation. A common misconception is that if one always steps behind a physical attack, they are safe. This is not true as it can be easy for an attacker to take advantage of this behavior and get around this defense. Footwork should be used both in preparation and as a defense during any type of altercation, no matter what the range or angle of attack or defensive position taken.
There are many schools and styles of martial arts, but all of them can be worked into a standardized method that is easy to follow. As long as sticking to the basics is adhered to, one will always find themselves in the right position during an attack and be able to move in any direction with ease. This is the key to becoming a well rounded self-defender.
A person should practice footwork on a regular basis until it becomes almost second nature to them. It is important to practice it in a variety of situations. It is never too early to start practicing it, as it can teach a person how to move their entire body with ease and grace. The use of footwork can be practiced alone or in groups, as long as regular practice sessions are maintained.
When first starting out, footwork should be taught in steps and simple movements that are basic and familiar to everyone. These steps should be practiced in a repetitive manner until they become instinctive to the person practicing them. It is not uncommon for new students to stumble when first starting out, but with a little hard work, the entire self-defense system can be mastered by practicing the basic moves. This will give one the ability to move easily in any situation and itwill also allow one to cover more ground when under attack.
The basic steps of Footwork are:
1. Pair up with an experienced partner so that as an attacker goes for you, he or she can be taken out of position instantly
2. With slow deliberate steps, move in the direction of the attack while maintaining eye contact with your teacher
3. Attacker moves away or the attack changes to a different angle, quickly change direction and begin moving again in the opposite direction
4. Small movements can be used to deceive and confuse an attacker as to what direction you intend to head towards (e.g. Use small foot movements of 5 inches or so every third or fourth step)
5. Traverse all obstacles (trees, rocks etc.); do not attempt to go around them
6. Travel from one side of your partner to the other until you have moved across the entire fighting range in both directions (use a wide range of angles)
7. Practice at different speeds and in various positions (e.g., prone, crouching, etc.)
8. Focus on seeing and maintaining a clear line of sight with your partner during your practice.
9. Keep your hands up at all times, maintain good posture and move quickly to avoid being hit.
Footwork is the key to any self-defense program. It has been proven that it can be learned in a realistic manner which will give one the ability to be able to defend themselves in any situation.
There are many different steps, angles and responses to be used as part of self defense, but for the most part, the following is the basic format:
1. Form your attack in slow and deliberate movements with your hands up
2. Attackers should be moving towards you at all times so that you can respond to them quickly. When they move away from you, move in the opposite direction in a low crouch.
3. Attackers should try to move in the same direction as you and attack from that side of you. If they come at you from behind, quickly and quietly change your direction without the attacker noticing it.
4. Very quickly before they can realize what is happening, attack them with your hands up in a quick circular motion with your elbows bent slightly at 90 degree angles by level with your waist. This should catch them by surprise and disarm them if done correctly preventing them from hitting you or counter attacking.
5. Attackers can be disarmed and thrown by either grabbing the wrist and throwing them or knocking them down to the ground. It is important to throw an attacker before you can be hit by them so that they do not have time to recover from your attack.
6. Do not let attackers grapple you with their hands as it takes away your ability to move. If they grab you, break their hands or grab the wrist and use their momentum to throw them to the ground.
7. If you are grabbed, keep your hands up in front of your face and kick your attacker in sensitive areas such as the groin, knee or neck area.
8. Practice extensively with an experienced partner who can guide you through any mistakes and make suggestions for improvement.
9.
Conclusion
Be sure to practice frequently and always work on your footwork. It is easy to get the wrong idea about why you are practicing it, so make sure that you are putting good effort into it for the right reasons. It is also very important not to get lazy with footwork and always be working on perfecting it.
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Self Defence 9: Footwork