Crappy Hip to Bionic Hip: My FMA Footwork Reboot

Introduction

While their stick, knife or machete hypnotizes many students, they often overlook the importance of footwork. In this blog post, I will explore the importance of footwork in FMA.

Further, I explain how FMA footwork is my main barrier to returning to teaching. In short, my footwork is short and shitty but improving!

Mobility and Balance

Footwork in FMA is not merely a means of moving from one point to another. It is the key to mobility and balance. Whether using empty-hand techniques or wielding traditional weapons like the stick or blade, the ability to move swiftly and maintain balance is crucial. FMA footwork enables players to shift weight, making it easier to generate power in strikes.

Below is a footwork video for my beginner students:

If you’re not able to view this video, go to here.

Distance Management

One of the core principles of FMA is distance management. Footwork is vital in controlling the space between you and the bad guy. Distance management allows you to strike or defend effectively. By moving or backward, laterally, pivoting, and angling, practitioners can use the distance to their advantage. Proper footwork allows FMA practitioners to close the gap or create distance when needed.

Evading and Redirecting Attacks

In FMA, footwork is vital to evading and redirecting attacks. The ability to swiftly move out of the line of attack allows practitioners to avoid being hit and counterattack. By using footwork patterns such as triangles, circles, or figure eights, FMA practitioners can seamlessly redirect an opponent’s force. Doing so can lead them off-balance and create opportunities for effective counteroffensive maneuvers.

Offensive and Defensive Footwork Maneuvers

Footwork in FMA is not limited to defensive techniques; it also plays a significant role in offensive maneuvers. By employing footwork techniques like the “L-step,” practitioners can generate momentum and power in their strikes, maximizing the impact of their attacks. Furthermore, swiftly changing angles and position through footwork helps disorient opponents and keep them on the defensive.

Adaptability and Flow

FMA emphasizes adaptability in combat. Footwork is a crucial element in achieving this flow. By transitioning between different footwork patterns, practitioners can constantly move and adapt to situations in real time. Smoothly shifting between offensive and defensive positions enhances the practitioner’s overall effectiveness.

Different Types of Footwork in Filipino Martial Arts

The following footwork is common to FMAs: triangle footwork, forward and backward steps, lateral footwork, pendulum footwork, switching stances, and retreat steps.

It’s important to note that the specific footwork techniques may vary between different styles and systems within Filipino Martial Arts. Different teachers may have their drills, but the above footwork types are commonly seen across various Filipino Martial Arts practices.

Muscle Groups Needed for Footwork

Filipino Martial Arts utilize footwork that requires the engagement of various muscle groups, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calf muscles. These muscles work in unison to provide balance, stability, and mobility, generating power in strikes.

Proper conditioning of these muscle groups is essential for developing functional FMA footwork.

Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) players use different methods to supplement their training and improve their skills. One of the most common ways is through conditioning exercises, which help strengthen the necessary muscles for fluid footwork and powerful strikes. These exercises range from running for endurance, squats for strengthening the legs, and weightlifting for core strength. Players often cross-train in other martial arts or sports to improve their overall fitness. These methods help FMA players supplement their training and become well-rounded martial artists.

Additional Reading

• Becoming the Six Million Dollar Man
• Video of the Week 2: Footwork
• The Vital Triad: Leg Strength, Balance, and Stability
• Martial Arts Training and Learning
• Self-Defense Tips for Deaf Individuals

As readers of this blog know, I had a right hip replacement surgery at the end of January this year. I’m doing okay, considering I am 4.5 months post-surgery, but I have more recovery ahead. My footwork is currently weak and slow. The weakness is located deep in my glute and in the hip joint. Make no mistake, I am stronger than I was, for example, a month ago. While I may have a bionic hip, I ain’t the Six Million Dollar Man yet!

Below, I demonstrate a physiotherapy exercise to rebuild the deep tissue muscle in the hip joint. The exercise is working quite well, but I still have a lot of work to do.

If you are not able to view the video, go to here.

I’ve come a long way and still have more work to do. I’m improving every day. As I said, this is a “now or never” time for me. I’ll be 59 in September. Either I let myself slide, or I keep rebuilding myself. You know what I’m going to do!

Have a great week!

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