SWORDDUELING.COM

“Remain relaxed at all times except in definite action…Strike suddenly, passing instantly from apparently total casualness & relaxation to irresistible speed & power, controlling the sword perfectly as you do.”
- Aldo Nadi

Remember that one’s striking distance is determined by the rear leg. Consider the ways towards or from your opponent:
Advance – lead leg moves forward & then the rear follows.
Retreat – rear moves back & then the lead follows.
Balestra – This is a specialized advance where one kicks out with the lead leg, utilizing a synchronized kicking out with quadricep to help propel the body forward. There is a “stomp-step” in kendo that similarly uses also utilizes a kicking motion for added range. The stomp step uses the leg to kick out like a push kick. With the lead leg, it is only superior to the balestra when stepping over kicks. However, it can be used when stepping to achieve extra range.
Walk/Step – Step forward with rear leg or back with the lead leg.
Traverse Step – Step out at a 45º angle forward and to the side.
Quartata – Step behind your lead leg with the rear, ending in a crossed-stance.
Fleché (Fr. Arrow) – Bound forward in a run with the rear leg.
Leap – Jump, keeping lead where it is.