Foot work is always important.

I had the thought that your feet and how far apart they are, are your base, like the base of a tall structure; the wider the base, the harder it is to knock/fall over, the narrower the base, the easier it is to knock/fall over, so a wider base makes you more stable, a narrower base makes you less stable. However, a wider base makes it harder to move, your legs are making more of an angle, more of a triangle, and you have to shift more of your weight forward or backwards if you want to advance or retreat, whereas with a narrower base, it is much easier to move as your legs are straighter and more vertical, and you have to shift your weight less in order to move. There was a video I found of an SCA duke teaching a class on footwork and movement, and one of the things he was talking about, was that if you wanted to advance, you essentially shift your weight forward until it gets past the balance point, and if you want to retreat, you could shift your weight back, almost as if you're going to sit down, and once your torso has passed the balance point, your body will naturally start to fall in that direction, so shifting your weight far enough, your body will naturally follow. One visual I think could be useful is to compare a pyramid to a tower; the pyramid has a very wide base, too wide, it cannot be tipped over without great effort, but a tower has a narrower base, so it takes less effort and less time to tip it over. So, as Federico said, you would want to find a comfortable middle-point, your feet are wide enough apart to maintain stability, yet still close enough together so it takes less time and effort to shift your weight in the direction you want to go.

Ahhh, footwork. Essential in so many activities. Thank you. I have so much to learn about HEMA. Cheers!

La cosa piu importante negli sport da combattimento e nelle arti marziali in genere è proprio il footwork, spesso non contemplato! Ottima disanima. Bellissimo video!

3:06 🐿

I really appreciate how much you talk abt footwork and your many approaches to its application. Footwork needs more love. Other then that [copy and paste what everyone else has been saying about the importance of footwork.]

Foot work is extremely important. If the balance is missing, the basis to become a good fencer is missing. This is the case with every martial art. Fiore de Librie was also aware of this, what does the elephant stand for again? He carries a whole castle on his back.

Great video! I love my passing steps to be honest, but only in the right moment and often paired with an accresere.

The only thing I would add that is that practicing "footwork drills" where all you do is step in various ways/patterns without some form of application (Such as swinging at sword) doesn't help beyond a base level. If one wants to get better at 'footwork when sparring', you have you have to make footwork a requirement of success. i.e. Every cut must have an accompanying step, or it "doesn't count", or, Actions completed with 'appropriate' movement are worth double (To incentivise the behaviour). That kind of thing. Fencing is by its very nature is holistic. So doing stuff in a vacuum doesn't achieve results in meaningful way. This is otherwise a solid video. Great technical jargon, accompanied by most acceptable breakdowns of the content. Thank you for making it :)

Many thanks for the lessons! I know it's not related to the topic of the video, but can you teach us more about the moulinet with the arming sword? I've been trying to perform the techniques I've read in the bolognese manuals but it just doesn't feel right. Thank you!

The production quality looks pro man. Great video as always! What camera do you use?

The God of footwork is Muhammad Ali!!!!Watch as many of his fights as you can!

So... this is kinda off-topic and does not have much to do with this particular video, but I wanted to ask about some of your sparring footage. From what I have seen in some of these sparring videos you guys do not fight... erm... heavy handed at all? Your cuts are solid, but I just don't see any power or significant momentum there. Is there a reason for it other than safety? To be fair I might be a bit biased, or I might be missing something significant, as I am used to pretty hard hits. Steel simulators/swords in my club are kinda on the heavier side so that might just make all the difference, heavier weapons more strength needed etc..

Play basketball! Nothing gives you better footwork than basketball!