Di Grasi footwork questions

[Jaron Bernstein]

Hi folks,

I am trying to figure out Di Grasi's footwork and am having some problems.

First, the text (pg 10-11). I don't know how to post the attendant diagram.

"It is to be know that the feet move either straight, either circularly: If straight, then either forwards or backwards: but when they move directly forwards, they frame either a half or whole pace. By whole pace is understood, when the foot is carried from behind forwards, keeping steadfast the forefoot. And this pace is sometimes made straight, sometimes crooked. By straight is meant when it is done in the straight line, but this does seldom happen. By crooked or slope pace is understood, when the hind foot is brought also forwards, but yet athwart or crossing: and as it grows forwards, it carries the body with it, out of the straight line, where the blow is given.

The like is meant by the pace that is made directly backwards: but this back pace is framed more often straight than crooked."

I understand this whole pace to be a passing step. i.e. with your right foot forward, your left foot goes forward (either straight or at an angle) and then becomes the forward foot, with the right foot staying stationary.

"Now the middle of these back and forward paces, I will term the
half pace: and that is, when the hind foot is being brought near the forefoot, does even there rest: or when from thence the same foot goes forwards. And likewise when the forefoot is gathered into the hind foot, and there does rest, and then retires itself from hence backwards. Thes half paces are much used, both straight and crooked, forwards and backwards. And in like sort, half paces forward and backwards, straight and crooked."

My current understanding of this half pace is a gathering step. i.e. if I have my right foot forward, the left foot comes to right foot's location and stops, while the right foot goes forward. Forward, backward and at angles of course.

"Circular paces, are no otherwise used than half paces, and they are made thus: When one has framed his pace, he must fetch a compass with his hind foot or forefoot, on the right or left side: so that circular paces are made either when the hind foot standing fast behind, does afterwards move itself on the left or right side, or when the forefoot being settled before does move likewise on the right or left side: with all these sorts of paces a man may move every way both forwards and backwards."

I see these as either triangle or traversing steps.

If anyone can explain these, especially the half pace, I would appreciate it.

[Allen Johnson]

I would have interpreted it the same way you did.

I think a really important part is where he says that advances are not usually done on a straight line but off the line. And THAT is where the blow comes.

[Stacy Clifford]

I think you're exactly right on the half pace, and it's a great step to know. I use it frequently and I love it, although I've never seen any reason to use it going backwards though. Going forward it's a very effective way to deceive your opponent on the range. The way he describes the circular pace is more confusing, but I think I would interpret it like you as a triangle or traversing step.

[Jaron Bernstein]

I think you're exactly right on the half pace, and it's a great step to know. I use it frequently and I love it, although I've never seen any reason to use it going backwards though. Going forward it's a very effective way to deceive your opponent on the range. The way he describes the circular pace is more confusing, but I think I would interpret it like you as a triangle or traversing step.

The half pace had me rather befuddled. I am reasonably sure that about what he means by whole pace (passing step) and circular pace (traverse or triangle). But the half pace, while a gathering step seems most likely, I am still not 100% sure of that. I just can't figure out what else it would be. Meyer describes a very clear gathering step in his Dusack chapter, but I couldn't figure out if Di Grasi (standing there with both of your feet together seems kind of daft otherwise) meant the same thing.

[LafayetteCCurtis]

I would also interpret them the same way as you do. The "circular pace," though, may also include a movement rather resembling the circular footwork of aikido. Imagine a movement that brings both feet together like in the "half pace" and then the originally static foot now moves around the pivot of the other foot as it advances or retreats. It's quite useful when you want to reestablish control over the direction and distance of engagement after your opponent has tried to wrest it from you.

But I may be wrong. I'll try checking up the illustrations once again to see if I can find any footwork diagrams.

[Jaron Bernstein]

"Imagine a movement that brings both feet together like in the "half pace" and then the originally static foot now moves around the pivot of the other foot as it advances or retreats. It's quite useful when you want to reestablish control over the direction and distance of engagement after your opponent has tried to wrest it from you."

The illustrations are right next to the text. Let's say you have your right foot forwards. You bring your left foot to your right......and then what?

[Allen Johnson]

Then you take your originally static foot- the right one- and either move forward, back, traverse, whatever using your left foot to push in the desired direction. Almost like a falsing step.

[Jaron Bernstein]

Then you take your originally static foot- the right one- and either move forward, back, traverse, whatever using your left foot to push in the desired direction. Almost like a falsing step.

Got it.

[LafayetteCCurtis]

Well, Allen's interpretation works, but what I meant is this:

Using your example of starting with right foot forward, imagine the enemy is trying to move to your left and he's advancing with a whole pace, but he's not going to attack straight away since you'd still be just outside of thrusting range even after the end of his move. If you want to reestablish the old distance, you'd bring your left foot back until it's next to the right, and then step obliquely with the left foot to your right rear. Your left foot will have to make a circular movement around your right foot rather than a straight step.

Strictly speaking, this is not directly described in Di Grassi because the only example he provides of the "oblique pace" in the diagram is that of a traversing step forward, but it seems like a reasonable interpretation. Beginners often have to be reminded to turn on the balls of their feet when using this kind of step, though, because if not they'd cross their legs in the process.