![\"Footwork](\"http:\/\/surviveanddefend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Footwork-Is-Key.png\")
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Proper basic footwork for self-defense will enable you to move quickly and efficiently while attacking and defending.\u00a0 You won\u2019t be dancing around like a professional boxer, but moving in quick while keeping your balance to get the job done, and then moving out just as fast.\u00a0 Remember that the quicker you end the fight the better.<\/p>\n
There are three basic purposes of footwork.\u00a0 One is to move in on your opponent.\u00a0 The next is to move away from your opponent.\u00a0 And the last is to set your opponent up.\u00a0 Anything else is just a variation of one of these.<\/p>\n
There are four basic directions you can go: forward, backward, to the left, and to the right.\u00a0 Then you have diagonals that are just variations or combinations of these.\u00a0 To have effective footwork, basically you need to follow this formula: when moving forward, the front foot move first; when moving backward, the rear foot moves first; when moving to the left, the left foot moves first; and when moving to the right, the right foot moves first.<\/p>\n
I like to emphasize stepping and sliding.\u00a0 Step with your lead foot and then slide the other foot.\u00a0 This can be done very quickly and will aid you in remaining balanced and centered.\u00a0 Keep the distances moved symmetrical.\u00a0 In other words, if you step forward eight inches with your lead foot, slide your rear foot forward the same distance, eight inches.\u00a0 You want to keep the feet a consistent length apart.<\/p>\n
The step can be quickened by springing off the opposite foot.\u00a0 So if you are moving forward, you spring off the rear foot when you initiate the step and then the rear foot slides up.\u00a0 If you are retreating, you spring off your front foot as you step back with your rear foot.\u00a0 Then you slide the front foot back.<\/p>\n
Practice moving around like this until you can move about gracefully. You want to be able to attain the smoothest and most coordinated movement between your feet.\u00a0 This will only come with practice.<\/p>\n
A very good activity to increase your mobility skills is dancing.\u00a0 My dad used to always tell me I should learn different dances and dance more.\u00a0 It develops balance, coordination, agility, and footwork.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t listen too well and am not a very good dancer yet, but I\u2019m learning some now.\u00a0 When Marc MacYoung asked me if I danced, I told him not much, but that my dad had always told me I should.\u00a0 Animal\u2019s reply was, \u201cYou should have listened to him.\u201d\u00a0 Besides helping with your footwork, it\u2019s a great way to meet women.\u00a0 My buddy Dave is an excellent dancer, and he never has any trouble finding someone to jitterbug with.\u00a0 All the women want to get out there and be twisted, spun, and flipped by him, and often he\u2019s the star of the dance floor when we go out.\u00a0 Dancing hurts a lot less than fighting, not to mention it doesn\u2019t get you in near the trouble.\u00a0 Wouldn\u2019t you rather go home with some cutie after a night of dancing instead of going home with a broken nose after a night of fisticuffs?<\/p>\n