ASHI-SABAKI  (FOOTWORK)

Ashi-sabaki (footwork) is one of the most important skills in kendo. In ashi-sabaki it is important that your movements are smooth and your body should not move up and down or side to side.

 

                                

                                         

 Okuri-ashi

(sending foot step) is the most frequently used ashi-sabaki during practice. When advancing, you move the front foot first, when retreating, you move the rear foot first. When doing the kiri-kaeshi exercise, the person attacking will use okuri-ashi.                                                                                                                                                              


                                                                                                       

 Ayumi-ashi

(walking step) moving your Left and right feet alternatively, as you would when you are walking normally. When doing the kiri-kaeshi exercise, the person receiving (motodachi) will use ayumi-ashi.                                                                                                                                                                   


 

Hiraki-ashi

(sideways step) is used when attacking an opponent from the side.

 

Most commonly used on the following waza :

1. nuki-waza (evasion technique)

2. suriage-waza (rising slide deflection technique)

3. uchiotoshi-waza (to hit opponents shinai downwards technique)

4. kaeshi-waza (reflex-deflection technique).                                                                                     


                                               

 Tsugi-ashi

(short step) is used to shorten the distance between your feet by bringing your left foot up towards your right foot.

 

This is used when you are attacking from a big distance so you can travel further with one step.