<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation:  Forms and Sets > Long Form 1 > Frequently Asked Questions > Does the back foot settle with the block or the punch?

One of the most important rules in American Kenpo is to create a stable base. As such, a stable base must be in place before a block can be executed effectively - therefore, mandating that the back foot be settled by the anticipated point of contact of the block.

 

The ball of the foot is then used as the pivot point for shifting into the Forward Bow during the execution of the straight punch. In order to pivot on the ball of the foot into a Forward Bow, it is not necessary to lift the heel from the ground. It is only required that the weight be shifted from the heel to the ball during the transition. At the conclusion of the shift, weight can then again be equally distributed between the ball of the foot and the heel.