Understanding and Utilizing Footwork for Modern Self-Defence: A Commentary on Icy Mike’s Video
If there’s one aspect of self-defense that’s often overlooked, yet holds a significant value, it’s footwork. Icy Mike’s video, “Footwork for Close Range Fighting | Circling and Angles In The Pocket,” is a wealth of insights about this topic. Let’s delve into the key points and the practical application. Importance of Footwork in Self-Defense As Mike emphasises, if you want to improve your defensive skills, you need to enhance your footwork. Unfortunately, many people tend to develop large and exaggerated movements as they find fighting stressful and scary. Conversely, good footwork is about small and controlled steps. In close combat situations, the fight is a game of milliseconds and millimeters, where small movements can make a big difference. Fundamental Concepts of Footwork One of the fundamental concepts that stand out is intentionality. When moving, Mike suggests you choose where to place your feet, not to meander around or let your feet drag. Here the phrase “place your foot where you chose to be” implies purposeful and controlled footwork. Another critical concept is that good footwork involves small movements, not big ones. This means the cardinal rule should be: “don’t just go where the wind blows you; put your feet down right.” Challenges and Solutions According to Mike, the two main reasons why people mess up their footwork are fear and laziness. Fear can make people respond by taking too large sidesteps, stepping themselves out of position, and opening themselves up for attacks. As for laziness, some individuals prefer easy, long strides, which are less tiring because they rely more on skeletal alignment than muscle involvement. The solution that Mike proposes is isolating and practicing footwork without any other distractions or stressors. This method should be done slowly and methodically, with drills focusing primarily on foot placement. Mike suggests using an object, like an agility ring, as a reference point and emphasizes, “scientifically speaking, that’s as far as you need to move your foot each time.” From Drills to Real-World Application Once you’ve grasped this concept, Mike suggests gradually adding other elements of combat to your drills, such as gloves and light sparring, to maintain the spirit of deliberate footwork while applying other layers of defense like head movement and parrying. For instance, a drill may involve one person leading the “dance,” applying pressure, and the other matching that energy through precise footwork while simultaneously dodging and blocking attacks. This way, you learn to manage the close distances in conflict without resorting to over-exaggerated movements or losing your balance. In conclusion, the secret to successful self-defence is not always about packing a powerful punch or kick. Instead, it might lie in learning how to be deliberate with your footwork. By understanding how to control your movements, maintain balance, and manage proximity, you’ll improve your defense capabilities. Remember, as Icy Mike says, “The fight is a game of milliseconds and millimeters, which are controlled by small, deliberate foot movements.”Blablabla
Hard2Hurt is a popular YouTube channel helmed by Icy Mike. The channel provides insight into self-defense, fight strategy, and physical fitness. Icy Mike, a self-defense professional, shares his expertise and experiences, combining practical advice with humor, to educate and entertain viewers on staying safe and skillful.
Self-Defence Block
What size is the rings, and where can they be bought from
I like this drill-
never seen it done before–I like that fact he calls it a dance. She can dance πͺπΎβΌοΈ
Best video ever… Really mike im dead serious. This is like the small things u realise
We do a couple drills at my gym.
The first and most common is similar to the circle.
We use an octagon shape. 1 foot in.
Only circle each other. Or 1 person's foot in, and the other circles.
The other, and my favorite, is we sit on the ground cross-legged, knees touching, and work on hooks and uppercuts.
Actually we haven't done any of that in a bit. I need more of that shit
Youβre a good teacher, Mike.
Hello Coach Mike. I dont know if you already did this, burt could you do a video on multiple attackers? What is your take? Can multiple attackers be defeated? Should you just run away? Is the answer somewhere in between, or none of the above? You have real experience in both the "street" and the ring, you test things out and you always give interesting, new perspectives on self defense. I would love to see your take on this.
Exactly the video I needed to see. Thanks.
Can you make a video on βeverybody has a plan until they get punched in the faceβ.?
βInches matterβ hard2hurt 2023
did you do a competition in Myrtle Beach in 2017? i had my first amy fight there and think we competed against each other. just wanted to be sure if i had the opportunity to fight against the icymike. much love!
So when are we getting the video about "Real Ninjas". I'm really curious who you were referring to on the Martial Arts Journey "Best Martial Arts for Self Defense Ranked" video.
This might sound like a silly thing but can you explain how to dodge punches like for example, is it a reaction or a prediction?
I want to fight man to be the best in the world as the Smartest Fighter in the WBC and MMA
I found woodworker hard2hurt his channel name is "make something"
LEG MUSCLES
I'm 31 years old. Am I too old to get into MMA? Nothing competitive but just for self-defense and fitness?
Are you sure all baton should be banned?
I ask because there are different types with different shape and size
I choose expandable baton should not π be banned because there still useful
And there still more techniques using it
If you don't believe me then go watch a video call watch dogs hes the master of the baton.
Is this kind of drill useful for kicks as well as punches? I imagine it must be similar, just with a bigger circle.
I enjoyed watching this and appreciate your honesty and analysis. I do a modified form of Wing Chun and BaGua that places a lot of emphasis on physical conditioning, footwork and positioning change angles for strikes and to avoid as much as possible being put on the ground. How much do you think that foot work and repositioning plays into the outcome of a fight? Enjoy your channel π
Inches matter. I see
D&D and Star Trek? You are a Nerd's Nerd, Mike, but damn if your examples aren't perfect for getting it across. "Kobayashi-Maru" – you are going to lose this, but learn to lose well, and limit what you lose and how you cope with the loss.
Natalia – Your work is paying off! Your form and instinctive movements are solid, and it's great seeing you grow! Can't wait until your next fight!
this is diet sparring. it gives you more opportunity to learn a lot while reducing the aggression and danger factor.
My brother and I did this drills and our moves became way more cleaner holy shii. Mastering the center line is key!
This guy is a major narcissist, attention whore, disrespectful, arrogant, abuses his students as well.
the bald skinny fat estrogen bloated guy is a narcissist, thinks he is so cool, does not respect his students, always casually hurting them just so he can look cool… he also obviously abuses stimulants/cocaine/etc
ultimate larper
She is pretty π
Thank you for this and all of your content so nice to see someone adress things like stance and foot work in the way you do it has helped so much!
I said "scared and lazy" at the same time she did π
Hey Mike. Can you make a southpaw footwork, counttechniques, etc, explaining how to use good footwork as a southpaw. So like a southpaw starter pack
I grew up watching & copying Ali. I run everyday, rarely even touched when sparring guys half my age. All cardio & footwork
This in a really good exercise for footwork!
Love how you interact with your students. If I had teachers like you I bet I'd still be doing martial arts at a gym.
Like a boss. Nurgle Bless Our Constitution In The Kindest Of Ways, and be Hard2Hurt!
i mean if your opponent got 50 60 pound on u no one goin stay that close up π
What's Natalie's insta though?
Good video. Thanks
Itβs smart to try and take the stress away when I started mma every sparring session for the first year I was me being way to scared even thow no one ever beat me up.
Iβm definitely using this drill next week