Foundational Footwork Slides The Foundation
Lesson 1: Stance, Balance, and Footwork
Mobility
Stability
Readiness
Warm-Up: Toe Tag
The Goal
Gently tap your partner's foot while protecting your own. First to 5 tags wins!
Must stay on the balls of your feet.
No crossing your feet!
Keep your hands up (defensive guard).
Think About:
"If you cross your legs, you are vulnerable. If your feet are too wide, you can't move. Where is the 'Goldilocks' zone?"
The Combat Base
The Width
Feet shoulder-width apart. Stable but ready to spring.
The Depth
Step one foot back (usually your dominant side). 45-degree angle.
The Guard
Hands up, elbows in, chin tucked. Protect the center line.
Center of Gravity: Stay low and centered!
Moving Without Breaking
Step and Slide
To move forward, step with your front foot first, then slide your back foot. To move back, step with your back foot first.
Golden Rule
NEVER CROSS YOUR FEET. Crossing feet = Zero balance + Zero power.
Drill: Shadow Footwork
Follow the Leader
Mirror your instructor's movements:
1 Advance & Retreat
2 Lateral Circles (L/R)
3 Pivots (Change Angles)
Stay Light
Footwork Field Guide Worksheet Footwork Field Guide
Lesson 1: Stance & Balance
STUDENT NAME
The "Perfect Base" Checklist
Perform each check with a partner. Check off the box once you have consistently held the position during drills.
Shoulder Width: Feet are not on a tightrope; they are wide enough for lateral stability.
The 45° Angle: Rear foot is stepped back and turned slightly outward.
Soft Knees: Knees are slightly bent, acting like shock absorbers.
Active Guard: Hands protect the face, elbows tucked into the ribs.
The Golden Rule of Motion
"Step with the foot that is closest to your destination."
• Moving Forward? Front foot first.
• Moving Backward? Back foot first.
• Moving Left? Left foot first.
• Moving Right? Right foot first.
Post-Game Analysis: Toe Tag
1. When you got tagged, what happened to your stance right before the tag?
2. Why is "crossing your feet" considered a fatal mistake in a combat situation?
The Physics of Balance:
The wider your base of support , the lower your center of gravity can go without you falling over. However, if the base is too wide, you lose the ability to move quickly because your muscles are at full extension. Finding the athletic "sweet spot" is key.
Total Rounds
Wins
Strike Force Sequence // Lesson 1: Fundamentals
Foundational Footwork Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Foundational Footwork (Lesson 1)
9th Grade PE // 50 MIN
Objectives
Demonstrate a balanced athletic stance with correct foot placement and guard.
Execute "Step-and-Slide" footwork in four directions without crossing feet.
Explain the relationship between base of support and stability.
Key Vocabulary
Base of Support: Area between feet.
Center of Gravity: Point of mass balance.
Lead/Rear Foot: Front vs. back foot.
Pivot: Rotating on the ball of the foot.
Instructional Flow
05 min
The Hook: Toe Tag
Instructional Tip: Do not teach the stance first. Let them play naturally and then use the experience to show why they fell over or got tagged.
Students pair up. Goal: Tap partner's foot while moving. Stop mid-play to point out "crossed feet" or "frozen feet."
10 min
Direct Instruction: The Combat Base
Use slides to demonstrate stance. Emphasize "shoulders over hips" and "weight on balls of feet."
"Imagine you're standing on two parallel railroad tracks, not a tightrope."
"Your knees are like shocks on a mountain bike—ready for bumps."
15 min
Guided Drill: Step & Slide
Leader-led movement. Call out: "Forward! Back! Left! Right!" Rapid fire to test muscle memory. Check for foot crossing.
15 min
Skill Application: Shadow Mirroring
Pairs. One student moves, the other must mirror. If the leader speeds up, can the follower maintain the stance? Rotate roles.
05 min
Cool Down & Wrap Up
Distribute Footwork Field Guide . Have students self-assess their stance stability.
Safety Notes
• Ensure 6ft of space between pairs.
• Toe Tag: "GENTLE taps only." No stomping.
• No jewelry or watches during movement.
Differentiation
• Support: Use floor tape for foot alignment.
• Challenge: Add hand motions (guard switches) while moving.
Striking Power Mechanics Slides The Kinetic Chain
Lesson 2: Upper Body Striking Mechanics
ROTATION
LINKING
IMPACT
The "Power Push" Challenge
Test 1: Arms Only
Stand square and try to push a heavy bag or a wall using only your arm muscles. No leaning, no twisting.
Test 2: The Chain
Step into your stance. Rotate your hips, drive from your rear foot, and push. Use your whole body.
The Verdict?
Where did the force actually come from?
(Hint: It wasn't your bicep.)
The Physics of Punching
01
The Ground
Force starts with the back foot pushing off.
02
The Hips
The engine of the punch. Rapid rotation.
03
The Shoulder
Transfers the hip rotation into the arm.
04
The Fist
The delivery point. Impact at full extension.
F = m × a
"To increase Force (F) , we can't change our Mass (m) instantly, but we can increase Acceleration (a) by snapping the chain."
The "Big Three" Strikes
1. The Jab
The Range Finder
• Lead hand strike
• Straight line path
• Quick snap back to guard
2. The Cross
The Power Plant
• Rear hand strike
• Heavy hip rotation
• Pivot on rear foot
3. The Hook
The Corner Strike
• Horizontal arc
• Elbow high (90°)
• Core-driven twist
Fix Your Form
The "Dropped Hand"
Punching with one hand while the other drops to the hip. Keep the "non-firing" hand on your chin!
The "Arm Punch"
Only moving the arm without rotating the torso. You lose 70% of your power potential.
Safety First
Focus on ACCURACY before speed. Speed before POWER.
Punch Power Lab Worksheet Punch Power Lab
Biometrics & Kinetic Chain Analysis
Observer Name
The "Arm vs. Body" Test
Procedure: 2 Trials per student
Trial Type Force Perception (1-10) Stability Rating (1-10) Observations (Muscles Used) 1. Arm Only Punch (Shoulders square, feet flat) 2. Kinetic Chain Punch (Stance + Hip Rotation + Pivot)
Analysis: Explain the difference in stability between Trial 1 and Trial 2.
Kinetic Linking: List the joints involved in Trial 2, from ground to fist.
1. Ankle (Pivot) → 2. ___________ → 3. ___________ → 4. Fist (Impact)
Peer Feedback Checklist
The Jab
"Did the arm fully extend and snap back?"
Y
N
The Cross
"Did the rear heel lift and hips rotate?"
Y
N
The Hook
"Was the elbow parallel to the ground?"
Y
N
Did you know? In a professional punch, the legs and torso contribute up to 80% of the total force. The arm is simply the "delivery vehicle" for the power generated by the massive muscles in your lower body.
Striking Mastery Rubric Striking Mastery Rubric
Upper Body Mechanics Assessment
STRIKE FORCE PE
Criterion Developing (1-2) Proficient (3-4) Exemplary (5) Kinetic Chain & Hip Rotation Strikes are arm-dominant; feet remain flat. Little to no torso rotation. Noticeable hip rotation on rear-hand strikes. Some foot pivoting observed. Power clearly originates from ground up. Explosive hip snap and full weight transfer. Defensive Guard Integrity Hands drop to chest/waist level during strikes. Chin is exposed. Non-striking hand stays high. Guard briefly compromised during complex moves. Perfect "Face Protection." Chin tucked, elbows in, hands glued to face when not striking. Precision & Extension Punches are "pushy" or "slapping." Arms do not reach full extension. Clean lines on jab/cross. Hook elbow is mostly parallel to the floor. Sharp "snap" at the end of every punch. Full extension with instant retraction to guard. Balance & Stance Stumbles after striking. Feet cross or become too narrow during movement. Maintains athletic base 80% of the time. Recovers quickly from off-balance strikes. Rock-solid stability. Transitions seamlessly between striking and footwork without compromise.
Teacher/Peer Feedback
GLOWS (What went well)
GROWS (Area for focus)
Score Summary
/ 20
Total Points
Proprietary Materials // Strike Force Martial Arts Curriculum // Lesson 2 Mechanics
Defensive Geometry Slides Defensive Geometry
Lesson 3: Blocks, Parries, and Shields
DEFLECT
REDIRECT
ANGLES
The Angle Challenge
"Don't catch the rain. Let it slide off the roof."
Slow-Mo Drill
A strike comes straight at your head. If you meet it square (90°), you absorb 100% of the force. If you meet it at a 45° angle, the force slides away.
Geometric Defense
"Defense is not a wall. It is a ramp."
The Defensive Arsenal
Shielding
High Cover
Elbows tight to ears, chin tucked, looking through the "window" of your forearms.
Effective against hooks & overhands.
Redirecting
The Parry
Gently slapping the strike away from its path. Small movement, big result.
Best for straight jabs and crosses.
Absorbing
Rib Shield
Glueing the elbow to the hip bone to protect the liver and ribs.
Countering body hooks and kicks.
Visual Tracking
Where do you look?
NOT at the eyes (they lie).
NOT at the hands (they're too fast).
THE UPPER CHEST / SHOULDERS
"The shoulders move before the hand can fly. Watch the engine, not the exhaust."
Focus Zone
The No-Blink Challenge
"The hardest part of defense is staying calm under pressure."
P1
Slow, rhythmic straight strikes (jabs) at P2's forehead.
P2
Parry ONLY. No blinking. Eyes locked on the chest.
Switch
Every 30 seconds. Build a rhythm like a metronome.
Defense Blueprint Activity Sheet Defense Blueprint
Visualizing Defensive Angles
Specialist Name
Part 1: The Geometry of Deflection
Martial arts defense relies on Force Dissipation . If you meet force head-on (90°), your bones/joints must absorb it. If you create an oblique angle , the force is redirected.
Drawing Challenge:
In the box to the right, draw two simple diagrams:
A "Wall Block" (90 degree impact)
A "Ramp Parry" (45 degree deflection)
Use arrows to show where the energy goes!
Defense Schematic
Part 2: Technique Mastery Log
High Cover
Success Criteria:
No gap between arms/head
Chin tucked to chest
Straight Parry
Success Criteria:
Minimal movement (2-3 inches)
Instant return to guard
Rib Shield
Success Criteria:
Elbow glued to ribs
Body weight shifted to side
Part 3: Reaction Time Analysis
The "Flinch" Factor
During the No-Blink Drill , what was the hardest part about keeping your eyes open as the strike approached?
Rate your defensive calmness (Composure) from start of class to end of class:
Panic Steady Zen
Geometric Defense Modules // Lesson 03 "Force is a vector. Change its direction."
Lower Body Power Slides Lower Body Power
Lesson 4: Kicks and Knee Strikes
BALANCE
CHAMBER
IMPACT
04. The Flamingo Test
Phase 1: Pure Balance
Lift your lead leg. Hold for 30 seconds. Easy?
Phase 2: The Action
Now, while on one leg, touch your toes, then clap above your head. What happens to your "stable" foot?
The Lesson
Kicking is not just about the leg in the air. It is 100% about the BASE LEG and your CORE STABILITY.
The Kick Blueprint
01
The Chamber
Lift the knee high. This "loads" the spring and hides your target.
02
Extension
The leg unfolds. Impact with the correct surface (shin or ball of foot).
03
Re-Chamber
Snapping the leg back to the loaded position before putting it down.
04
The Reset
Landing back in your original balanced fighting stance. Ready for more.
Front Kick
• Target: Midsection/Hips
• Surface: Ball of the foot
• Action: Push/Thrust motion
Roundhouse
• Target: Legs/Ribs
• Surface: Lower Shin
• Action: Whipping arc motion
The Knee Strike
Pulling the target into the strike while driving the hip forward. Toe pointed down.
Wall-Assisted Power
1. The Wall Lean
One hand on the wall for balance. Focus 100% on the chamber and extension.
2. Slow-Motion Chamber
3 seconds to lift, 3 seconds to extend, 3 seconds to hold. Feel the core burn.
Why Slow?
"Speed hides bad form. Slow motion builds perfect mechanics and balance."
Kicking Mechanics Guide Worksheet Kicking Mechanics
Reference & Stability Guide
Athlete Name
The 4-Step Cycle
01
Chamber
Knee high, heel to glute.
02
Extension
Snap the leg out straight.
03
Re-Chamber
Pull the foot back in.
04
Reset
Land in a balanced stance.
Technique Striking Surface Key Biomechanic Primary Target Front Kick (Teep) Ball of the foot Hip thrust / Linear push Torso / Hips Roundhouse Kick Lower Shin / Instep Hip turnover / Pivot Legs / Ribs Knee Strike Kneecap / Top of shin Core crunch / Clinch Midsection
Core & Balance Lab
Observation: Pivot Mechanics
Try a roundhouse kick without pivoting your base foot, then try it with a 90-degree pivot. Describe the difference in your hip range of motion:
Observation: Core Engagement
How does leaning back slightly during a front kick actually help you generate more force and keep your balance?
The "Shin Rule"
In martial arts like Muay Thai, we strike with the shin , not the small bones of the foot. Why? Discuss with your coach.
Flexibility Check
CHAMBER HIGH
Flow and Conditioning Slides Flow & Fury
Lesson 5: Combinations & Conditioning
RHYTHM
ENDURANCE
MEMORY
The Science of Flow
A combination is not just a list of moves. It's a conversation.
The Logic
One strike sets up the next. A jab blinds the opponent, a cross delivers power, and a kick finishes the job.
Economy of Motion
"The end of your first punch is the loading phase of your second."
The "Essential Three" Combos
Beginner / Fast
1 - 2
1 Jab
2 Cross
Classic straight-line attack.
Intermediate / Power
1 - 2 - 3
1 Jab
2 Cross
3 Lead Hook
Uses the cross to hide the hook.
Advanced / Mixed
2 - 3 - Kick
2 Cross
3 Lead Hook
K Roundhouse
Transitions from upper to lower.
The Art of Pad Holding
Be a Wall, Not a Sponge
1 Meet the Strike: Give a tiny push-back on impact.
2 Eye Contact: Look at your partner, not the pads.
3 Voice: Call the numbers clearly and loudly.
SNAP.
Focus on the SOUND of the hit. A good strike cracks like a whip.
Safety: NO PUNCHING WITHOUT PADS.
The Burnout
3 Rounds // 2 Minutes On // 1 Minute Off
Round 1
SPEED
Non-stop straight punches. Light and fast.
Round 2
POWER
Single heavy kicks. Full reset between each.
Round 3
COMBOS
Free flow. Pad holder calls the shots.
HIIT Intensity Log Worksheet Intensity Log
Lesson 5: HIIT & Combo Mastery
Rest Heart Rate
Peak Heart Rate
The Combo List
1 - 2 - Lead Kick
Cross - Hook - Cross
Jab - Parry - Cross
CREATE YOUR OWN
The Burnout Tracking
Round 1 (Speed)
RPE: ___ / 10
RPE = Rate of Perceived Exertion (How hard are you working?)
Round 2 (Power)
RPE: ___ / 10
Notes on power drain...
Round 3 (Free Flow)
RPE: ___ / 10
Mental fatigue?
Sequence Capstone Reflection
1. How has your understanding of "Power" changed since Lesson 1?
2. Which biomechanical concept (Kinetic Linking, Base, or Geometry) was hardest to master?
The Final Word
"The ultimate goal of martial arts training is not the strike itself, but the control of your own body, breath, and mind. You have built a foundation of movement—now, use that discipline in everything you do."
Strike Force Sequence: COMPLETED
BIOMECHANICS // 9TH GRADE PE