Footwork is used to keep a good balance, manage distance, position yourself in certain angles, optimize movements and apply certain strategies related to Mixed Martial Arts.

Positioning

Before even talking about footwork, we must find a good positioning. The initial combat position must be comfortable and conducive to the execution of the various techniques and strategies. Positioning and posture should allow the most effective defense and attack.

Great distance between the feet:

Lower center of gravity
Solid base (balance)
Increased range of motion of the upper body
Usually good at close range combat

Short distance between the feet:

Higher center of gravity
Leg reaction speed (kick, block)
Increased possibilities of footwork
Usually good at long range combat

Click here to learn the basics of positioning

Moving the feet

With movement, you can increase the chances of attacking and decrease the chances of being attacked. All combat sports have a deep science of movement. This science is constantly evolving because in each sport, there are trends, new ways of doing things, problems to be solved… As for Mixed Martial Arts, there is a greater spectrum of possibilities in the face of displacement and positioning because we can find ourselves facing a boxer, a kick-boxer, a wrestler… and the footwork must be adjusted accordingly.

Click here to learn the basics of footwork

While all combat sports use a different way of getting around, there are a few things that apply to everyone:

The balance should be well distributed so that it moves smoothly.
Each move must result in a positioning that allows us to be able to act quickly.
The space between the feet should correspond to the actions and reactions that will take place during the fight.
Reducing and increasing the distance as well as positioning in the corner should be done quickly and efficiently.

Attack while standing your ground

In order to learn to move well, one must first learn to move and then attack or attack and then move. In this way, we can assess where the center of gravity is (on which leg is the weight of the body) and then perform the desired movement.
ex: When I throw a direct, my weight ends up on my front leg. I can use this situation to continue my attack, push on my front leg to go back to the back, push on my front leg to angle the back side …

Attack while moving

Once attacks and movements are acquired “separately”, we can then learn to move while attacking. There are several reasons that can lead us to attack while moving.

• Adjust distance during an attack
• Adjust the angle during an attack
• Add power to strikes

The footwork is linked to the style of the fighter. His movements are in symbiosis with his attacks. The different strategies presented in the style require a lot of work at the footwork level. Depending on the opponent, an adjustment can be made for a better use of the footwork.

Some questions to ask yourself to adjust your footwork against an opponent:

• Is my opponent Orthodox / False?
• Do I find myself in closed position (standard) / open position (mirror) with respect to him?
• He’s a wrestler, should I widen the space between my feet?
• Does he attack in a linear fashion?
• …