Great replies!
Thanks for all the feedback. You guys make great points. I actually have no preference when it comes to stepping. I was taught the 45 degree method and feel comfortable with it. I've been given numerous explanations as to why the styles I've trained in prefer this method over the traditional linear method: "You're sweeping the battlefield of debris; it's for sweeping the leg of your opponent; it generates more hip rotation momentive force." Basically many of the same points discussed thus far. I tend to think that some of the basic reasoning with training footwork in this way may be related to the fundamental definition of Okinawan Karate as a whole- that it makes use of Goho (Ijiki) and Juho (Soyora). Many newer styles of karate (especially those of ShuriTe lineage) emphasize offensive, linear actions (very Goho).
At many traditional tournaments this attitude is displayed in the Kumite. With the exception of the few Chinese-flavored schools that sometimes enter, many of the fighters look very similar. They may be of Shorei or Shorin lineage, but to watch them you wouldn't be able to spot any subtleties or tell-tale signs of this. There are very few tricky or finesse techniques. They all look a little like controlled kickboxing, not really karate. Use of taisabaki is practically nonexistent, and usually those with a good urate (gyaku) tsuki, mawashi geri, yoko geri and mae geri are usually the strongest competitors. That's four techniques out of the myriad you learn in the dojo. These kihon are usually executed in a 'get in get out' manner. Circling the opponent rather than running in or backing up, is rare. BTW IMO, teaching softness and circular motion too soon can lead to weak, slow beginners and not-so-fast, flexible, yet soft, black belts/sashes. The middle path seems to be a good remedy for the over emphasis of ijiki or soyora.
You can reach your opponents "rear corner", or position yourself at a 45 degree angle to his anterior with linear steps. The thing is with all the walking kihon line training that predominates the modern dojo, the karateka may never, ever even think of moving to a position around his opponent, where use of all your weapons vs. only 2 of his is a distinct advantage in any fighting situation.
Use of crescent stepping, or more accurately 45 degree stepping, has helped me to understand this aspect of body positioning. It also reminds the karateka (at least in my case) to use his hips and bring the power up from your root and to the weapon you wanna use. When we do Hohan Soken's Fighting drills (2-man drills), the use of angles and positioning is a must. Many, but not all of the drills, use lateral movement and pivoting.
Stepping off-center to the right or left is facilitated with 45 deg. stepping. The action is really very linear, but not straight ahead. When I asked my Sensei what was the fundamental fighting philosophy of his Matsumra Seito he exclaimed, "Get out of the way"!!!
Thanks again, sirs. Looking forward to more interesting discussions.
Last edited by Tatsu; 6th June 2002 at 08:11.
Bryan Cyr (pronounced "SEER")