Excellent points by everyone so far.
Footwork is absolutely critical in any type of combat oriented training. It
is you first method of protection and is the key to offensive and
counter-offensive maneuvering. As Chalambok pointed out, a lot of people get
stuck in the training mode of standing toe to toe and working counters and
flow drills and not breaking out to include footwork (ranging and bridging
tactics). Don't get me wrong
here, working these types of drills have there place. But eventually you
have to move to the next level and break out of the set patterns and use
these skills in conjunction with footwork.
As my Pekiti-Tirsia instructor Mataas na Guro Tim Waid has pointed out (from
GT Gaje), "you have three strikes to enter and control/quarter/terminate
your opponent or you should range back out again". Essentially, "get in and
get out". You can't stand toe to toe in a knife confrontation and expect to
come out unscathed.
Also, I agree with Steve L. Very good points.
William
BTW, Steve L. I believe I'm in your neck of the woods now. I would like to
get together and exchange notes some time.
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