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4

Balance and Footwork

The most efficient way to move when responding to an assault or attack is to take a series of short six-inch steps. First, move the foot closest to where you want to go six inches in that direction (starting with your right foot when moving toward the right, etc.). Then move your other foot in the same direction—again with a short six-inch step. Repeat these moves—first the lead foot, then the trailing foot—until you get to where you want to go. For example, if you want to move to the left, you should first move your left foot six inches to the left, then move your right foot six inches to the left—before moving your left foot another six inches, and so on (see Figs. 13-15).

The same approach applies if you want to move to the right, forward, or backward.

When moving side to side (left or right), you are usually trying to move out of the way of an assailant (see Figs. 16-18).

When moving forward, you are usually trying to subdue or strike a suspect or attacker, so first move your front leg forward six inches, and then let your rear leg catch up six inches (see Figs. 19-21).

When moving backward, you are more than likely trying to get out of range of a suspect who is attacking you. First move your back leg six inches; then let your front leg catch up six inches (see Figs. 22-24).

Here’s a brief drill that will help you practice this “short step” movement: First, move ten feet to the right using the footwork described above. Then go ten feet to the left using the same footwork. Then move ten feet forward, then ten feet backward—always using the short-step footwork. Keep practicing this movement until you can do it smoothly, quickly, and without thinking about your feet.

Try to maintain the stance demonstrated in the previous chapter: your hands should be held up, chin tucked in, elbow tucked in, knees bent, and so forth, as you move. This will help you develop an efficient and effective self-defense stance and practice good defensive tactics. Once you’ve got your feet moving in the right direction pretty consistently, you’ll only need to repeat this drill for a few minutes a month—to reinforce your good street-combat movements.

I do this drill often with cadets, as well as in-service personnel, and it greatly enhances their ability to move efficiently in the combat scenarios in which we train them.