Footwork

[Tameo]

I have noticed footwork in many Filipino Martial Arts is very similar to Traditional Wing Chun footwork (The lineage taught by GM Cheung) They have the defensive step, offensive, step out on a 45* and other similar steps. The steps are probably called something else in the Filipino systems but especially the Kali and Escrima footwork is very similar to TWC footwork. Any thoughts, comments and/or comparisons to other systems’ footwork?

[haumana2000]

about that... not soo much.. Kidding bro, most and I stress most FMA footwork is similar to boxing more so than Wing chun, as the stance would not faciliate this. Maybe SOME largo mano systems, which lean back a little. I think the stance of wc, is just so much more linear and based on one or two step movements, versus FMA, which is always thinking several moves ahead.

[Tameo]

I was specifically talking about the Cheung's style of Wing Chun which has 50/50 weight distribution at all times.

[Ferdie]

I have noticed footwork in many Filipino Martial Arts is very similar to Traditional Wing Chun footwork (The lineage taught by GM Cheung) They have the defensive step, offensive, step out on a 45* and other similar steps. The steps are probably called something else in the Filipino systems but especially the Kali and Escrima footwork is very similar to TWC footwork. Any thoughts, comments and/or comparisons to other systems’ footwork?

There are differences and yes, that there are also similarities. It shouldn't come as a surprise because there are techinques that are naturally effective & any system would naturally develop certain practical movements - if not become influenced by another. As huamana mentioned, it is also similar to the boxing footwork. When I started, it looked similar to Aikido & then some to Karate. It all depends on the "other" art you were/are into. The way I see it now, FMA footwork is an application of how we naturally walk w/ emphasis on angling. FMA footwork doesn't force you into exaggerated positions (not saying it is wrong) as it is important to be completely balanced when fighting. Of course there are also other aspects of FMA footwork w/c address different circumstances.

[johnzag]

Im not to sure about WC but in Arnis (Modern Arnis/Kombatan) the footwork is similar to a traditional japanese front stance and cat stance but always on the 45. Its no where near as rigid and you always have to remain light on your toes so to speak to allow you to react quickly and instinctively to a situation.
A lot of the guys at my club have a WC background so maybe they would be able to extrapolate the similarities with a far greater degree of precision. I will ask and post their response.