# Get A Move On!

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2015/07/06/blog-get-a-move-on-footwork/
- Published: 2015-07-06T17:24:00-04:00
- Author: Brian Johns

## In many private lessons and classes, I have taught over the years, I have noticed that 󠀁[poor footwork](https://brianejohns.com/2020/02/03/blog-footwork/)󠁿 will often negate good stick technique.

Sub-optimal footwork has reared its head enough that [new students are introduced to this topic on day one](https://brianejohns.com/2015/11/19/blog-the-challenge-of-teaching-footwork-to-kids/).
I will go through some basic footwork and stance drills, often through the angles
of attack, to ensure that good habits are established immediately. With good footwork
[ ](https://brianejohns.com//2015/05/13/blog-two-great-reasons-to-move-your-feet/)
established, good technique will follow.

### I start with two very basic patterns/drills. The first is the _**one-step**_ footwork, illustrated below.

As one can see, it’s done in a V-shaped pattern, stepping at a 45-degree angle either
to the right or the left. Here’s the basic one-step footwork exercise:

![One step footwork being demonstrated in sequence.](https://i1.wp.com/bamboospiritmartialarts.
com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/One-Step-Pattern.png?fit=1024%2C819&ssl=1)

At far left is the starting position. From that position, one can step to either
side.

The one-step footwork aims to drive home the need to angle off from an attack.

### The second footwork pattern taught in Modern Arnis is the **two-step**.

 * ![The beginning of the two step footwork.](https://i0.wp.com/brianejohns.com//
   wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IMG_0005.jpg?resize=1052%2C1402&ssl=1)
 * The beginning of the two step
 * ![Two steps to the right](https://i0.wp.com/brianejohns.com//wp-content/uploads/
   2020/06/IMG_0007.jpg?resize=977%2C1402&ssl=1)
 * Two steps to the right.
 * ![Stepping to the other side](https://i0.wp.com/brianejohns.com//wp-content/uploads/
   2020/06/IMG_0008.jpg?resize=1118%2C1402&ssl=1)
 * Stepping over the “railroad tracks” to the other side.
 * ![On the other side at the end of the two step footwork.](https://i0.wp.com/brianejohns.
   com//wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IMG_0009.jpg?resize=1052%2C1402&ssl=1)
 * And I’m on the other side!

The above sequence is somewhat akin to the Ginga of capoeira.

YouTube video [here](https://youtu.be/HbUxXJKitS4).

While there are substantial differences between the Modern Arnis two-step footwork
and the capoeira Ginga, much having to do with the orientation of the feet and centerline
and the rhythm/timing of the movement, the principle is similar in the sense of “
stepping over the railroad tracks.”

### When it comes to the two-step, most have trouble with the second step, as illustrated below.

A common mistake is to step with the right foot only and leave the back/left foot
on the railroad tracks. You can see the problem with this position. Anytime I see
this, I get on the student’s case about this. This is, by far, the most common mistake
with the two-step footwork that I see. That said, this is merely a _technical mistake_.

![Bad footwork. Make sure that both of your feet are on the other side.](https://
i0.wp.com/bamboospiritmartialarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IMG_0006.jpg?fit
=790%2C1024&ssl=1)

Don’t leave that back foot in the middle of the “railroad tracks.”

These are the first two footwork patterns I teach in private lessons and in my classes.
We incorporate other kinds of footwork, such as those associated with sweep strokes,
body manipulation techniques, takedowns, and throws.

Once the **one-step** and **two-step** footwork patterns are learned and the technical
mistakes rectified, the practitioner needs to go beyond robotic stepping and progress
into being **_comfortable moving their feet around_**. This is crucial.

### If the student remains stuck at the robotic stage, the execution of techniques will be robotic.

I have found that transitioning from robotic footwork to being light and agile on
your feet takes considerable practice. 

A student should be as comfortable with moving around and using their feet as they
are picking up their eating utensils. Make no mistake; this takes time, patience,
and repetition.

Let me repeat; it**_ takes quite a while_** to transition from robotic footwork 
to being nimble, agile, and deceptive in your footwork.

_**If you do not move properly**_, you will not be able to defend. _**If you do 
not move properly**_, you will not be able to hit the other guy. It’s as simple 
as it gets.

If you have time at home, practice your footwork for a few minutes every day. You’ll
notice that you will become less robotic and more natural in moving over time. With
practice, you’ll have nimble feet like the guy below. 🙂

If you are not able to view this video, click [here](https://youtu.be/ZF_rZrH4yBY).

## Additional Reading

 * [Inaugural Video of the Week: Stick and Foot Position](https://brianejohns.com/2024/02/26/stick-and-foot-position/)
 * [Two Great Reasons To Move Your Feet](https://brianejohns.com/2015/05/13/blog-two-great-reasons-to-move-your-feet/)
 * [3 Great Reasons For One Step Sparring](https://brianejohns.com/2016/03/21/blog-3-great-reasons-for-one-step-sparring/)
 * [5 Problems With One Step Sparring](https://brianejohns.com/2016/03/23/blog-5-problems-with-one-step-sparring/)
 * [Video of the Week 2: Footwork](https://brianejohns.com/2024/03/04/video-of-the-week-2-footwork/)

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