Footwork (Ashiwaza)

Okuri-ashi is the sliding step in which the rear foot pushes and the front foot glides forward, then the rear foot follows without crossing. This is the default movement in kendo, keeping the body oriented toward the opponent and maintaining kamae between steps.

The fumikomi is a sharp stamping step that drives the body into striking distance. The ball of the foot contacts the floor with decisive sound, the knee bends to absorb impact, and the center of gravity surges forward. Poor fumikomi—too shallow or too heavy—disrupts ki-ken-tai-ichi.

Ayumi-ashi uses natural walking steps for larger distances. Hiraki-ashi slides sideways while still facing the opponent. Tsugi-ashi chains footwork for continuous attacks when okuri-ashi alone cannot cover the distance. Do not lift the feet high—glide as if on a sheet of paper, hips travelling horizontally.

• Okuri-ashi — advance the foot in your direction, then draw the other foot; used for one- or two-step cuts
• Ayumi-ashi — natural walking steps for larger forward and backward distance
• Hiraki-ashi — move to the side while still facing the opponent
• Tsugi-ashi — continuous attacks over distances too long for okuri-ashi alone
• Glide the feet; keep the hips moving on a horizontal line

Ma-ai is the combative distance between opponents; controlling it through footwork is essential. Tame is the brief compression of energy before a strike—often visible as a subtle lowering of the center. Together, ma-ai and tame create the opportunity for decisive ippon.

• Issoku-itto-no-maai — one step forward to strike, one step back to evade
• Toma — beyond issoku-itto; neither can reach the other (stay alert)
• Chika-maai — closer than issoku-itto; both can strike easily

In chudan the right foot is in front. Okuri-ashi forward: the front (right) foot slides a short step, about ten to fifteen centimetres, and the rear (left) foot follows the same distance. The rear foot pushes; the feet do not cross, and the soles stay on the floor. Backward: the rear (left) foot moves first, then the front (right) foot returns. Fumikomi pushes from the left foot and stamps the right foot as the cut lands; the left foot then catches up. Ayumi-ashi, for longer distance, steps the left foot through and then the right, like walking while the body still faces the opponent. Keep the hips level. After a strike the left foot must follow — that trailing step is yobumi.

• Okuri-ashi: soles stay down, the step stays short, and the rear foot does not drag
• Fumikomi: the left foot pushes, the right foot and the cut land together, then the left foot follows
• Ayumi-ashi: even steps, hips level, the body still facing the opponent