Footwork is essential for being able to fight by skill rather than speed and strength . We must develop strong enough technique as well as good footwork. Using footwork efficiently allows for controlling distance and timing, for advantageous position relative to the opponent.

And another important but more difficult aspect of effective footwork, is that while we are using footwork we are loading our technique internally, which has two benefits:

At any instant we can start a technique from ground reaction, the technique is a chain reaction from the ground up, which makes techniques more powerful with little output of energy.

And we can start a technique from the feet at any instant, without back motion, there is no gap for the opponent to attack us.

This last concept is called Tameru, meaning to save energy within our movement.

-by Avi Rokah sensei