To develop the tsugi-ashi stepping pattern you can play the fencing game. See the previous video for a detailed explanation on tsugi-ashi versus ayumi-ashi

To set up the game players stand at a join between two tatami, which acts as a line to play the game along. They face in opposite directions and slightly twist their upper body to square up to their opponent. They should be close enough so that they can just touch their partner.

To score a point the aim is to touch the front shoulder of your partner with the hand furthest from them. Players can advance and retreat but are only permitted to do so along the designated line and must use tsugi-ashi footwork.

The speed of the game should be built up gradually. Each time a player scores a point by tapping their opponent's shoulder or either steps away from the line the players reset and start again. Movement in the upper body faking and dodging the opponent's attempts to score are encouraged. However, players should strive to maintain a strong natural posture and always stay balanced whether attacking or defending.

For judo, this game not only promotes tsugi-ashi it also builds solid kumi-kata foundations when developing gripping patterns and strategies. Relating the game to an ayotsu or same sided opponent situation, the restriction of only using the back hand reinforces a positive habit of taking your sleeve grip first. Something that Kanamaru says is of great importance when learning to grip effectively.

Controlling your opponent's lapel hand first by catching their sleeve gives you a greater chance of dominating the gripping exchange. Then adding your lapel hand results in a commanding situation with more control over your opponent.

Here's a demonstration of what can happen if you don't follow the principle of gripping with the sleeve hand. First with Uki reaching for the lapel grip and Kanamaru avoiding just like in the game. Kanamaru has not only been gifted control of Uki's sleeve, but by overreaching for their grip, Uki is potentially off balance. Once the sleeve is pinned, Kanamaru has a good chance to dominate this exchange.

In this situation, Uki becomes very vulnerable to an attack straight from the gripping exchange. An easy mistake to avoid if the principles from the fencing game are followed. Tsugi-ashi and backhand first.