How does footwork influence the ability to control the distance in a CQC engagement?

Footwork directly influences the ability to control distance in CQC because it allows you to strategically manage the space between yourself and your opponent. Effective footwork enables you to close the distance to initiate an attack, create space to evade strikes, or maintain an optimal range for delivering strikes. For example, forward footwork allows you to close the gap for grappling or delivering close-range strikes like knees or elbows. Lateral footwork allows you to move off the line of attack, avoiding incoming strikes and creating angles for counter-attacks. Backward footwork enables you to increase the distance, creating time to assess the situation or prepare for a ranged attack. By constantly adjusting your position through footwork, you can dictate the terms of the engagement, preventing your opponent from establishing a comfortable range and maximizing your own offensive and defensive capabilities. Poor footwork limits mobility, making you predictable and vulnerable to attack, while skillful footwork provides tactical flexibility and control of the engagement.