Striking With Footwork

Though there are many footwork patterns, at a general level, there are only two options when it comes to combining punches with footwork: Same side stepping/punching (ipsilateral)  and opposite side stepping/punching (contralateral).

1. Same Side Stepping is when you step with the foot which is on the same side as the striking arm. This is the predominent method stepping method.

Same Side Stepping (ipsilateral) - Step and Slide *Seth Stacey Example

2. Opposite Side Stepping is when you step with the foot opposite the striking arm.

Opposite Side Stepping (contralateral) - Step and Slide *Seth Stacey Example

Use the step and slide when first learning to sychronize punches with footwork. The active foot should land at the same time the punch strikes it's target. For example, with the step and slide jab cross, the front foot should land the floor as the jab makes impact. Then the back foot moves forward and lands on the floor as the cross lands. 

Came across the terms ipsilateral and contralateral after watching a footwork video by Seth Stacey 

Two Strike Combinations

The two strike combinations are a categorization and examination of the proper form and body mechanics necessary to move from one strike to another in a continuous manner. Mastery of these combinations provides one with the ability to perform longer, technically correct combinations. 

I. Combinations Which Start With A Hand Attack

II, Combinations Which Start With A Elbow Attack
III. Combinations Which Start With A Knee Attack
IV. Combinations Which Start With A Kick Attack

Elbow to Elbow Combinations

Lead Elbow to Rear Elbow

  Lead Vertical Elbow to Rear Diagonally Down Elbow *Example

Rear Elbow to Lead Elbow

Lead Elbow to Lead Elbow

Rear Elbow to Rear Elbow

Lead Hand to Rear Elbow

Jab-> Rear Horizontal Elbow

Jab-> Rear Diagonally Down Elbow *Example

Jab-> Rear Spinning Elbow *Example

Lead Hook-> Rear Vertical Elbow *Example

Angular Attack

Angular attacks employ the use of sideways and diagonal footwork in an attempt to find or create open targets which to attack. This method is often used in conjunction with the other methods of attack. 

Cross->Shifting Cross->Pivoting Hook->Rear Round Kick *Carlos Condit Example

Slide Step Into A Long Bob (Crouch)->Cross

Jab with Angle Step->Pivot *Gabriel Varga

BJJ Scout: Dominick Cruz Study Part 1 - Stances, Footwork and Takedowns

BJJ Scout: Dominick Cruz Study Part 2 - Footwork and Counter Strategy Explained (Remastered)

BJJ Scout: Dominick Cruz Study Part 3 - Next Level Footwork & UFN Boston Preview

Oblique Kick

 

Jon Jones oblique kick to Rampage Jackson

The oblique kick is a mid range kick that strikes the opponents lead knee or lower thigh with the flat of your rear foot. It is an odd and deceptive kick which is effective at inhibiting your opponents forward movement. It also has the potential of hyperextending the opponents knee which can cause serious damage.

Oblique kick used a couple times during this fight

Jon Jones using the oblique kick in fights

Carlos Condit uses oblique kick against Dany Hardy

Holly Holm

Tutorial: The Oblique Kick With Jon Jones & Mike Winkeljohn

Tutorial: Carlos Condit

Overhand

The overhand is a curved or arcing punch delivered in a downward motion to the opponents head. 

Offensively it is often used to go over an opponents guard. Defensively, it can be usd as an intercepting counter punch, traveling around and over your opponents punch. The punch can be thrown with the lead hand but is more often used as a rear hand punch. 

1. Lead Overhand

2. Rear Overhand *Gabriel Varga Tutorial

Hang Overhand

1) Lead Hand *example

2) Rear Hand *example *Cruz example