Neko Ryu General Principles: Maximizing Effectiveness – Curve Step

Moving with Curve Steps (or C-Steps) maximizes effectiveness by improving Kuzushi and conserving your attack options.

Curve steps are “L” shaped movements executed with one foot at a time. Usually the initial movement is down the long leg of the “L” to your front or rear with the short leg of the “L” usually extending the step to the outside – away from your center line.

A single c-step is essentially the same as a “Knight’s” movement is Chess. The c-step can be combined with a pivot to change your facing direction.

Every martial arts instructor I’ve studied under (all seven of them) taught me to use the c-step. But I didn’t understand it. I didn’t like it. And it seemed to add no value to my martial art or to my competitive abilities. I resisted using it and so, of course, it was of no value to me.

Grandmaster Moose Cates, the current head or Soke of Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu, taught the curve step in the recent Camp Budo martial arts seminar. When Grandmaster Cates fielded my questions I had an epiphany – an “ah ha!” moment. Suddenly I saw the c-step as part of my Kuzushi.

When you move your feet your opponent notices the motion; its direction, its speed, and its nature. Smooth steps in a straight line or in a smooth curve are easily predictable. Your opponent intuitively calculates the path your smooth step will take and uses it to set up his own technique or to disrupt yours.

The c-step is deceptive. It starts as a smooth linear motion and changes direction at the end. By itself this can alter your opponent’s balance both physically and mentally; setting up your technique or your follow up Kuzushi.

Because it’s a planned and drilled motion it enables you to change the end-movement of the step. It allows a last split second adjustment to uki’s body movement and position (your opponent or sparring partner is called uki).

There are other advantages to the curve step. It increases the “stroke” length when you use your body mass to apply power to uki. And, it puts you in position to rotate your hips into a strike or throw. But these are just nice additions to the core advantage of the c-step – maximizing Kuzushi and conserving attack options.

Now that I’ve had my epiphany, it’s obvious how important the curve step is in martial arts and self-defense. Kuzushi is the most important part of any attack. Once your opponent (uki) is well off-balance almost any technique will work. If uki retains his balance and a solid base - almost no technique will work.

Kuzushi is critical. Kuzushi is hard to learn (at least for me). And, the curve step makes it easier and more effective.

Link to other topics in the Special Report: Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu