Stepping methods are just as important as being able to throw a punch or kick. Stepping works your distance, your timing, your ability to get yourself into a superior position. Its something rarely discussed as people just feel they get it, but when thoroughly studied, it can bring your wushu up to a superior level.

Every style has a stepping method. Ba Gua, for instance, emphasizes hooking and swinging step in the beginning but then works on advancing, retreating, dodging, crossing, prostrate and inch steps. Xing Yi emphasizes front step and advancing step methods in the beginning but then works into additional stepping methods like Ao, Yao Shin, and Tui bu. Xing Yi Liu He begins with Ji bu stepping (chicken step) but its stepping methods can be further explored through inch, wedge, passing, quick, front and advancing step. Duliu Tong Bei has 22 different stepping methods that must be mastered!

Now it is important to know the different stepping methods and how to employ them properly. Some styles will slide a flat foot forward but step backwards. They will roll their foot forward or backward. They will leap and hook and twist. Each stepping method has a rhyme and reason for existing depending on the situations. They can be used to explode, to pounce, to coil, to circle, to leap, to sweep, to dodge, to pass behind.

There is usually a commonality amongst most methods: they must be swift, agile, quick, and most importantly, have grabbing power (Root)! Your steps must be stable, natural and poised. Stepping is what drives the system and what establishes the power you will deliver. No strike will be strong and no proper fighting method can be developed without proper stepping.

Now there are many different methods to developing stepping, and I will always recommend drilling the basic methods and steps within each system but perhaps one of my favorite methods is the triangle stepping method. Its simple but develops quick action, angles, and retreat capability. Starting from the central point one will step out at 45 degree angle to their left (if they are a right handed fighter) then they will step step back to the central point and quickly step with their left 45 degrees to their right. This can then be repeated with the rear foot, again alternating between rear 45 degree steps. This will create a slight “bouncing” effect between points but can be modified to be more even, stable, or fluid depending a particular persons style. After this simple method is trained more triangles and angles can be added to further add to a fighters movement method–forming pivot points and a circular pattern around an opponent. Work on driving the front foot forward with the rear foot and reverse method for stepping back. Work on quickly and firmly planting the foot. Work on staying centered yet mobile; able to change direction and angles at will. Work on relaxing as much as possible while still obtaining maximum results of the drive, quickness, and movement. The sky can be the limit on this method as then different footworks can be added and steps, creating passing steps, hooking steps, and twisting steps… all based off a central point and triangle angles.

Overall stepping methods needs to be strong, quick, stable and firm. For a martial artist to create a strong punch or kick they must first have a stable and strong root. This root must be able to move quickly, keenly, and with purpose. It must be able to move forward, backward, side to side–all directions–at the will of the martial artist, to gain the advantage and employ their power optimally. Unsure stepping leads to hesitation in power and advantage; weak steps lead to uncertainty which leads to defeat. Action in martial arts is driven by footwork — anyone can stand still and learn to throw a powerful strike but Masters learn to easily move at an uncanny speed and with a confident will to execute a superior strike!