In everyday walking, the body weight is first shifted forward, then the front leg pulls the body forward. The other leg then places itself forward, passing the center of gravity, thus completing the stride.
When this step is combined with a karate technique and executed quickly and powerfully, the body reaches a normal speed and generates normal energy. So, everything is normal and natural—nothing extraordinary. In a karate step, the back foot is first pressed to the ground, then launched with great, rapid force. This push accelerates the body forward right at the beginning of the movement, with energy that is continuously transmitted forward throughout the entire body. This initial impulse creates momentum that flows through the entire movement to the finish. This is the correct way to move with a normal step—Ayumi ashi—in karate.
