A common mistake many martial artists make is neglecting their footwork and body-movement

A common mistake many martial artists make is focusing only on their hand forms but neglecting their footwork and body-movement. If they carry on in this way, they establish this fundamental mistake even when they have practiced their arts for many years. In other words, they have neglected their basics.

Footwork is not just how to move in correct stances. It includes, among other aspects, the appropriate positioning of the feet and the rotation of the knees. If you move forward to a Bow-Arrow Stance by throwing your knee forward and pointing your toes straight-ahead, for example, you may not only injure your knees and also expose yourself to risky surprised attacks.

A crucial aspect of body-movement is the rotation of the waist. This is especially emphasized in Taijiquan, but is also important in Shaolin Kungfu. Amongst other benefits, rotating the waist minimize an opponent’s force and maximize your own.

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Correct Footwork	Correct Footwork	Rotation of Waist

Rotation of Waist	Rotation of Waist	Rotation of Waist

Wrong Posture	Correct Posture	Wrong Posture

Correct Movement	Knee Position	Bad Posture

Rotating Waist	Throw Fist