What is the importance of footwork in Tae Kwon Do?

Answer 1

Self defense is primarily about your location in relation to your opponent(s) and your surrounding environment, and also movement in a safe direction at the ideal time. Footwork is the skill that allows you to move smoothly, gracefully, and quickly in a timely manner, thus enabling you to avoid being hit, grabbed, or thrown while allowing you to make effective counter-strikes and other maneuvers.