Makashi at the park!

[TheHobbitofDune]

You pretty much hit it dead on though!  Thanks for that.

A step, or advance, is actually a single unit of movement towards the opponent.  It refers to the method of moving forward to close distance, which sets you up for a lunge.  A lunge is when you propel your body forward using the power from your back leg.  As Xanedan said, your back foot may drag a bit but generally that foot stays planted.

In short, a step forward or back is used for movement (to set up distance) whereas a lunge is an offensive movement used to execute an attack.  I'll try to find some more vids that explain it (though Youtube seems to suck in this regard lol)

Oh, I see. Don't mind me i'm just a slow learner 

[Master Nero Attoru]

Oh, I see. Don't mind me i'm just a slow learner 

It's no problem at all!  I'm sorry for skipping ahead a bit... I just wanted to reinforce my point about distance being used in Makashi.  I'll keep my eye out for some good tutorials on basic footwork.

In the meantime, just keep working on getting used to that en garde position.  It's super awkward at first (to everyone) but once you get used to it you can move like crazy in it.  Low center of balance, knees bent for more power... it's designed around combat!

[TheHobbitofDune]

It's no problem at all!  I'm sorry for skipping ahead a bit... I just wanted to reinforce my point about distance being used in Makashi.  I'll keep my eye out for some good tutorials on basic footwork.

In the meantime, just keep working on getting used to that en garde position.  It's super awkward at first (to everyone) but once you get used to it you can move like crazy in it.  Low center of balance, knees bent for more power... it's designed around combat!

Oh its alright, I actually do think I have sort of a basic understanding of it.

I shall definitely continue to work on that position I gave you points earlier but forgot to say so. Anyway, points to you my friend for all your help