FOOTWORK

Think of sports where FOOTWORK determines the outcome of whether you score: cricket, golf and tennis are three that if you don’t have good footwork you are given out, don’t hit the ball or in the wrong part of the court, unable to return the ball. In combative sports like boxing, karate, taekwondo and kung fu footwork means the difference between hitting and being hit (not a good outcome if you are trying to score points in a championship).

Bridging, attacking, defending and trapping are four types of footwork, which assist you in having a successful outcome and all are self-explanatory; bridging and attacking will be in this instalment, defending and trapping discussed next month.

Bridging is ‘acceleration across the gap’ either priming or blocking opponent’s vision as you cross that gap, you require explosive action to catch your opponent flat footed. There are many methods to improve this such as modified Plyometrics, agility ladder training which improve mobility, skipping and sprints between floor cones again develops those muscles that are required for explosive actions.

Attacking footwork again is acceleration, correct distance, good timing and using the correct technique once in scoring range. Your opponents may try and anticipate your attack, put space between you and them decreasing your effectiveness, so you must be disguise or increase your speed when attacking to be successful.

Bridging Footwork

Opposite Stances Switch Stance, bridging gap White Scores

Opposite Stances Low disturb to bridge Scoring, reverse roundhouse

Attacking Footwork

Same stance white blocks vision attacks middle roundhouse

Same stance Switches stance sweeps scores reverse punch

You may argue that bridging and attacking footwork are very similar; bridging is for those fighters who do not have natural acceleration and have to use primary technique to obscure their main scoring technique. Attacking is sheer acceleration either from a static position or bouncing action.

Until next month Good luck

Bruce Hyland

Want to know more? Purchase Bruce's book, 120 Seconds of Karate see below 120 Seconds of Karate takes its title from how long a bout is in most open championships. The book has personal interest stories woven into most chapters so that the reader can identify with their own experiences or experiences they may have in the future.  The developing athlete and coach will find this book very useful as it compartmentalises all the fighter requires to become to be a champion. There are chapters on the most frequently used competition techniques. footwork, distance, priming skills. The core of the book is on the different types of fighters you may face and how you identify them and defeat them. Also the book has a chapter on mental preparation. The book has a had a wide distribution though-out Australia and the author has had positive feedback from both coaches and athletes on its distinctive style of making the developing athlete and beginner feel comfortable with the procedure in becoming a champion. Priced normally at $29.95 our price $19.95 To purchase this book click here » Purchase Bruce's DVD, Champions Point Sparring, Training & Drills see below This DVD presents the best point sparring, training, techniques and sparring drills to use in all styles karate competition. Bruce Hyland champion and coach has utilized, as both an athlete and a coach, the foundation of traditional disciplines with the most highly advanced training methodology available. This has enabled many other athletes, and indeed himself, to become CHAMPIONS. Our price $29.95 To purchase this DVD click here »