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.

Each section will illustrate and describe both right foot leading, and left foot leading. ( to be completed!!)

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.  

Right foot leading-  

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. As this is normal Walking either foot could lead.

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.