In order to evade an attack or prevent an attacker from escaping your counter-attack, you must understand the importance of establishing an effective base.

Be Mobile; Be Immovable

At the Shaolin temples of ancient China, the warrior monks would begin their martial training by standing in a low, powerfully stable stance for extended periods of time. This was done to test their resolve, condition their legs, and build a powerful connection to the Earth. This solid platform provided a balanced position from which they could move quickly, or allowed them to redirect force into the ground to become nearly immovable. These Kung Fu warriors called it rooting. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we simply call it base.

Think of base like the base of a pyramid. It is the most solid foundation possible, with multiple points of contact with the Earth and a balanced distribution of weight. A good base provides you with a launch pad from which to move, either to escape or to close the distance with an attacker. A good base also gives you the ability to absorb force, such as resisting a push or pull while standing, or resisting a sweep while on the ground. Finally a good base establishes a platform for delivering force, whether that is a leverage-based attack or a strike.

 

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