Footwork

Targets

Fighters who fight from a stationary stance are called targets. They are similar to a target that does move and must resist an attack's penetration as best as it can. They do not move except when changing stances or stepping, and when they do move, it is slow and deliberate. Rocks get hit a lot so they train to take punishment.

Shifters

Some fighters move by shifting their weight forward and backward from one foot to the other, they are called shifters. While this is better than just standing stationary, it still hampers movement. When you shift your weight to one foot, that foot is locked and cannot move until the weight is shifted off it. A shifters mass moves primarily in a straight line using the muscles of both legs. When fighting a forward and backward shifter, if an attack is timed to fire just as the shifter starts the movement, the shifter's stance will be locked, making defense and counterattack difficult. Shifting is effective but it requires endurance. A shifter is similar to a butterfly that has a limited range of wing motion.

Bouncers

Some fighters move by bouncing forward and backward off both feet at the same time. The feet never become locked and the fighter is free to move in any direction instantly, they are called bouncers. A bouncer's mass moves primarily up and down in an arc using the muscles of both legs to make the movement. When fighting a bouncer, if an attack is timed to fire just as the bouncer starts the movement, the bouncer is able to land in a stance and immediately bounce in a new direction. Bouncing is highly effective but it requires high endurance. To be an effective bouncer you must have explosive, muscular strength in the legs and be in peak physical condition, but it is worth the effort. A relaxed, deep breathing bouncer is a similar to a butterfly that reacts instantly and moves quickly.