We normally think of stepping as a means to get us to the position we want or to control our range.

However, stepping is also good for one other thing – power generation.

In 6-MS we learn how to step in a zig-zag manner. We use this stepping because 4 of the 6-MS strikes are powered by the body posture associated with this stepping.

For 6-LH we use a different posture due to the range and angling requirements.

Both methods of stepping are related and can be practiced together. However, to make the learning easier we should learn the 6-MS stepping first. Generally, this stepping is easier to practice. The problem arises when we learn the 6-MS and 6-LH stepping together.

This is when if you did not practice 6-MS stepping properly you will find that when you change from 6-MS to 6-LH stepping you can’t get the power out crisply. So its better to make yourself practice more rigorously so that you don’t have to go back to practicing like a beginner at a later stage.

I will refer to 6-MS stepping as Step-1 and 6-LH stepping as Step-2.

When you practice 6-MS it is not enough to just step out of the way of a strike. You should turn enough to maximize the range and power afforded by the turning of the body. It is when you do this that you are winding your body to the maximum.

When you do Step-2 as follow up your body will need to turn back the other way. So if your body is already well winded in Step 1 you will be able to turn back strongly when you change to Step-2. This winding and unwinding will allow you to power not just your blocks but also your strikes.

That’s why you should not skip any steps or do each step in a lackadaisical manner. Each step before affects the step after.

Perform each step carefully. As you become more familiar then you try to minimize the lag between changes. If you keep practicing there will be a time when you can perform an action in one step instead of a few steps. The speed of execution is then not so much a matter of forcing yourself to move faster but a matter of efficiency and minimizing the steps required to carry out an action.

Last comment – when practicing Step-1 do not overlook the role of the parry hand. Knowing what to do with the parry hand can help you with power generation also.