Tsugi-ashi

by Olga
(Ukraine)

When is it better to use tsugi-ashi than okuri-ashi?

Do we need to train tsugi-ashi like we train okuri-ashi or we only learn okuri-ashi and tsugi ashi is like an improvisation during jigeiko for example?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of tsugi-ashi?

Answer: Good question. I just told my students about tsugi-ashi the other day.

First of all, okuri-ashi is the basic footwork in kendō so we must practice this until it becomes our second nature.

Difference:

In okuri-ashi, you move your body by moving your right foot followed by the left foot.

In tsugi-ashi, you move your left foot forwards closer to the right foot. (the left foot does not pass the right foot. If it passes, it is called ayumi-ashi.)

An advantage of tsugi-ashi: you can reach your opponent from a little further than your usual striking distance.

A disadvantage of tsugi-ashi: you may get struck while you are moving your left foot forwards.

Once you are able to perform okuri-ashi properly, you can start experiment the other footwork such as tsugi-ashi.