Heel Turns (Patreon)

• LMA Table of Contents

We're going to be using a wall to help us balance. Much of combat movement is not about power but balance.

Front Heel Turn

Stand perpendicular to the wall. Step forward with the foot closest to the wall and place your same side hand against the wall. Your rear foot is turned out, and you should either be L-stance or J-stance. Your lead leg will be your rotating leg, and your rear will be your driving leg. Imagine there are two targets: target A is in front of you, and target B is behind you. The objective for the Front Heel Turn is to aim your heel at target A.

Make sure you're standing far enough away from the wall to rotate your lead leg. You will rotate on the ball of your foot until your heel and toes switch directions. As you turn your rotating foot, bend and lift your driving leg as high as you can so it doesn't drive into the wall. Your driving leg should drive into the air, not into the wall. You want your knees to pry apart and your chest to face the wall. As your chest faces the wall, you should place both hands on the wall. As you turn your heel forward, the front body follows.

There's a saying in body mechanics: Where the head goes, the body follows. Likewise, where the heel goes, the body follows. The top and bottom of the same lever have the same effect on the body (this concept is even more critical when we get to grappling).

When you set your driving leg down, you should now be in the same stance, facing the opposite direction (7 or Γ).

Back Heel Turn

Now rotate again on the same ball of your foot, turning your heel but also your back to target B. Then backstep and return to your starting position (L or J).

Just as the Front Heel Turn brings your front body with you and has you stepping forward, the Back Heel Turn has you bringing your back body with you and stepping backward.

Position One is the Front Heel Turn and is much more universal than the Back Heel Turn, which is much more specific.

– Sam