There are different ways of stepping and ways of turning to face the opposite direction. You should practise stepping in ba dachi, tora dachi and hebi dachi utilising the following variations.

A. Stepping to four directions (Shi-ho)

Pronounced 'Shee-hoh'. Stepping (gohon shi ho - five step to four directions) successively to face the four points of the compass.

1. Step counter clockwise to face first the left - east (with left foot forwards).
2. Then clockwise to the right - west (with right foot forwards).
3. Then counter clockwise to the front - south (with left foot forwards)
4. Clockwise to the back - north (with the right foot forwards).
5. And finally counter clockwise to the front - south again (with the left foot forwards).
6. Step left foot back to finish.

A longer version (juppon shi ho - ten step four ways) exists in which, having completed the first five steps as described above, and without stepping back with the left foot to finish, a further five steps are performed thus:

1. Step clockwise to face first the right - west (with right foot forwards).
2. Then counter clockwise to the left - east (with left foot forwards).
3. Then clockwise to the front - south (with right foot forwards).
4. Counter clockwise to the back - north (with the left foot forwards).
5. And then clockwise to the front - south again (with the right foot forwards).
6. Step right foot back to finish.

Pronounced 'Yoh-ree-ah-shee'. Moving forwards, backwards or sideways by maintaining the same relative foot positions. If standing with the left foot forwards, then shuffling while maintaining the left foot in a forward position throughout the manoeuvre. The standard way of scooting forwards in stance is to extend the lead foot forwards first (extending the stance), then draw the rear foot forwards to re-establish the stance. At no time should you attempt to jump forwards or backwards in order to effect yori ashi, the movement is very much of a gliding, scooting, sliding nature (one foot and then the other).

C. Stepping to evade (Taisabaki)

Pronounced 'Tai-sah-bah-kee'. Any body movement or stepping action effected with the intent of evading an attacker's thrust. A sideways or backward movement. Also an oblique movement forwards or backwards. The turning movements kaiten and zenkentan (d and e following) embody the principle of taisabaki.

D. Adjusting the front foot and turning on the spot (Kaiten)

Pronounced 'Kay-ten'. To turn through 180 degrees to face the opposite direction by shifting the front foot across the front of the body in a straight lateral line, then pivoting on the balls of the feet through 180 degrees. A right foot forward stance facing the front for example, becomes a left toot forward stance facing the rear. When turning, ensure that both feet are planted on the floor, then using the hips in a whip like action spin strongly to face the new direction. Kiai at the same time and position the hands strongly in the kusabi ti position in the augmented manner. An alternative method is to step across behind with the trailing foot before effecting the turn. Practice both methods.

E. Stepping diagonally forwards and then turning (Zenkentan)

Pronounced 'Zen-ken-tan'. To turn through 180 degrees to face the opposite direction by stepping diagonally (across the body) forwards with the back-foot and then turning on the balls of the feet through 180 degrees. A right foot forwards stance facing the front for example, remains in the right foot forward mode when having turned to face the rear. When turning, ensure that both feet are planted on the floor, then using the hips in a whip like action spin strongly to face the new direction. Kiai at the same time and position the hands strongly in the kusabi ti position in the augmented manner.

F. Extending the stance (Encho)

Pronounced 'Ehn-ch-oh'. To make a stance longer when stepping, normally by about four to six inches. This technique is used to complete a line (sanbon or gohon for example) of techniques where a coup de grace style finish is appropriate or where there is a sense of breaking out of a trapped position.

G. Reversing the foot positions (Gyaku-ashi)

Pronounced 'Guy-ah-koo-ah-shee'. To change the foot positions from left foot forward to right foot forwards (or vice versa). If standing in a left foot forward position (for example), step back with the left foot to the right, then step forward with the right foot (or vice versa). Always step back initially, before moving forwards, this format embodies a basic common-sense defence strategy.