How to Walk Like a Martial Artist

Do you know how to walk like a martial artist? Or do you stumble around not paying attention like everybody else? :)

In this video, I'll share one simple principle of martial arts movement that you can apply right now to help you stay on your feet!

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Question—why do people trip and fall? Answer—because they’re diving instead of driving!

When I say diving, I mean moving headfirst through space, like diving into a pool. It starts with a lean, then a fall, and then a catch with your foot. But that’s not really walking, that’s falling.

Especially when you’re in a hurry or texting, your mind takes the lead and tips your weight forward. Then, if anything blocks your foot at all, you stumble or fall flat on your face. So, how do you solve that?

Stop diving and start driving!

That’s exactly what you learn in many traditional martial arts when you practice stances. When your practice stances, you don’t lean to start a movement.

First, you drop down. You sink with your head straight over your feet. Then, instead falling, you push or drive. Now, if your foot gets blocked, you can just stop because your bodyweight is under control. You’re walking smoother and safer.

Here’s a challenge for you—practice walking around your house in slow motion. This might feel like you’re doing Tai Chi... and that’s a good thing!

By slowing down you’ll have a chance to look at the mechanics of how you move. Ask yourself: am I leaning, falling, and diving... or am I dropping and driving with control?

Of course, if you build a habit of driving instead of diving, you’re going to improve your martial arts skills, too. When you see untrained fighters, you see wild punches. You see an out-of-control mind diving ahead of an out-of-control body.

Now, I’m not saying that leaning and falling behind a strike can’t be powerful or effective—of course it can!—but there’s a trade off.

Leaning and falling can waste energy, leave you open for counters, and limit your options to follow up with intelligent combinations. Heck, you might even throw yourself off-balance and fall down without even getting hit. That’s just embarrassing.

The big lesson here, on and off the mats, is to stop falling through your life trying to catch yourself from tripping up. Instead, choose a direction, take a breath, and drive, step by step, with control.

This is something you can practice every time you walk somewhere. Think of it as your "Walking Kata". When you walk like a martial artist, there’s a good chance you’ll get where you want to go.

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WARNING: The advice and movements shown in this video are for informational and educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before engaging in any exercise or martial arts program.

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