Mawashi

(turning steps), mainly used when meeting an attack, shift the body out of the attack line and turn the receiver's own centre-line inwards, to allow for a counter stroke. Since the opponent is attacking, the distance is rapidly decreasing and thus, although vigorous, the Mawashi step is very short and balance to the side is not threatened. Diagram 5 shows merely the basic side movements of Mawashi and in the case of movement along either diagonals the sequence of steps will be as for Ugoki. Where possible it is better that the first foot be placed directly in the new line to avoid spinning on the feet. Only a relatively short step is necessary to clear the attack line and if the feet stamp down properly the balance is better preserved.