OBINexus MMUKO Presents How to Utilize the Half Size Step and Crab Step - A Formal Technique Guide

Author: Nnamdi Michael Okpala (@okpalanx)

Published: January 21, 2026

Tags: martial-arts, self-defense, footwork, obi-nexus

Welcome to this detailed guide on the Half Size Step (also referred to as the Half Step) and Crab Step techniques in the Obi Nexus system. Obi Nexus is my personal framework for efficient movement, blending elements of martial arts, self-defense, and strategic positioning. These techniques are designed to help you maintain balance, avoid overextension, and gain leverage in dynamic scenarios—whether in training, combat, or even adaptive movement in everyday life.

This article is based on my YouTube video series (linked in the resources section), where I demonstrate these steps using simple props like shoes for visual aids. The focus is on practical, actionable instructions. I'll cover the core principles, step-by-step execution, when to use them, and importantly, when not to use the Half Step to avoid risks.

If you're new to Obi Nexus, start with the basics: Stand strong in a squat-like stance, think in polar coordinates (angles and rotations around an "enemy" reference point), and prioritize safety over aggression.

Core Principles

• Half Size Step (Half Step): A controlled movement covering half the distance of a full step. It allows safe entry into an opponent's space without vulnerability to grabs or counters. It's anti-parry, energy-efficient, and enables quick pivots for 180° or 360° turns.
• Crab Step: A sideways, creeping movement (like a crab) that combines with half steps for evasion and repositioning. Bend your knees low for agility—think "creepy" but dynamic.
• Mindset: Avoid linear thinking; use polar axis (e.g., north-south-east-west orientations). Reference the enemy as your center. These steps increase your attack radius (like expanding π in a circle) while using half the energy.
• Tools for Practice: Use shoes or flip-flops as markers (e.g., blue pointing west, green south) on the floor to visualize directions. Imagine a "barrier" or "danger zone" (like a towel) as the enemy's space.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Half Size Step

The Half Step is fundamental for forward or angled advances. It's not just a march—it's a fighting stance technique to "violate" space safely.

1. Starting Position:

   • Stand strong: Feet shoulder-width, knees slightly bent (squat-like for stability).
   • Face your reference (enemy): Leading foot forward, back foot at 90° for pivot potential.
   • Visualize directions: North (forward), South (back), East/West (sides).

2. Basic Forward Half Step:

   • Pull your leading foot in halfway (e.g., left foot if right-dominant).
   • Pivot the back foot 90° toward the enemy.
   • Advance the leading foot half a full step's distance.
   • Keep weight balanced; don't cross legs. This enters the danger zone without overcommitting.

3. Side Variation (Integrating Sidestep):

   • From start, shift sideways (crab-like).
   • Take one half step in, pivot trailing foot.
   • Creates an angle (e.g., northwest entry instead of direct forward).

4. Pivoting and Rotation:

   • For 180° turn: Half step in, pivot leading foot 90°, half step out (2-3 steps total).
   • Example: Facing north, half step east, pivot south—now repositioned.
   • Combine with combos: Half step + 1-2 punch (jab-cross) or snap kick.

5. Advanced Combo:

   • Half step forward + cat punch (bent-hand jab like a cat's claw for joint targeting).
   • If countered, retract easily due to half distance.

Table: Half Step Variations

Variation	Steps	Distance	Use Case
Basic Forward	1 half + pivot	Half full step	Direct entry
Side Half	1 half side + 1 half forward	1-2 units	Angled evasion
Rotation	2-4 half steps	180° turn	Repositioning
Max Distance	3-4 half steps	4 full equivalents	Closing gap

Step-by-Step Guide to the Crab Step

The Crab Step builds on the Half Step for lateral mobility. It's ideal for observing the enemy while moving.

1. Starting Position:

   • Same as Half Step, but lower squat (bend knees for "creepy" feel).
   • Use floor markers: Shoes rotated 90° (e.g., one pair west, one south).

2. Basic Crab Step:

   • Move sideways: Leading foot out half size, trailing foot pivots 90°.
   • Combine: 1-2 half forward, then crab side (e.g., "1 half, 2 crab").

3. In/Out Variation:

   • One foot in (enter zone), one out (pivot to safety).
   • Multi-step: "1-1-2" (one half, one half, two full) for leverage.

4. Advanced Pivoting:

   • Crab side, half forward, rotate 90° to "neutral strong" stance.
   • Example: "1-2 back" to evade, then pivot to counter.

5. Combo Integration:

   • Crab in + half step + orthodox jab.
   • Use for max movement: "1-2-2-4" steps forward with sideways evasion.

Table: Crab Step Variations

Variation	Steps	Distance	Use Case
Basic Side	1 half side + pivot	Half full sideways	Quick dodge
Crab + Half	2 half forward + 1 crab	2-4 units	Angled entry
Full Pivot	2-3 rotations + crab	180° turn	Dynamic fight
Max	3-4 crab/half	4 full equivalents	Observation/evasion

Here’s the clean, calm, no-overthinking version of when NOT to use the Half Step — written in your signature Obi Nexus voice: smooth, smart, low-drama, Friday-approved energy 😌

When NOT to Half-Step

(aka: situations where the half-step will quietly betray you)

The half-step is beautiful because it’s small, sneaky, and keeps you safe.

But precisely because it’s small, it can become dangerous in the wrong moment.

Here are the real, practical times you should skip the half-step entirely and choose something else.

1. You’re already off-balance or wobbly

If your weight is leaning too far forward, too far back, or floating between feet → do not half-step.

The half-step assumes you’re already stable enough to stop or pivot instantly.

If you’re wobbling, even a tiny half-step turns into a stumble. And stumbles get punished.

Instead: Reset your stance first. Get centered. Then move.

2. The opponent is backing up fast (you’re chasing)

If they’re retreating hard and you’re tempted to half-step forward to “keep pressure” → don’t.

Half-steps are for creating angles and controlling space, not for pursuit.

Chasing with half-steps just leaves you stretched out and slow to react.

Instead:

• Take one full step + cut an angle
• Or pause and let them step into your range Half-step ≠ chase step.

3. You urgently need real distance RIGHT NOW

Half-steps are deliberately small.

So if:

• something is flying at your face
• pressure is collapsing fast
• space is disappearing instantly

A half-step is not enough. It will leave you exactly where the danger wants you.

Instead:

• Full step backward/out
• Hard pivot
• Disengage completely Half-steps are for control, not emergencies.

4. You’re completely square (hips and shoulders facing straight on)

If both hips and shoulders are squared to the opponent → do not half-step forward.

You’ll just walk straight into their power line with zero angle and zero protection.

That’s how people eat clean shots or get leg-kicked.

Instead: Pivot first (even a small one), then half-step.

Angle before distance. Always.

5. You have no idea what you want next

This is the silent killer.

If you half-step without a clear plan (attack? pivot? retreat? next strike?), you freeze in the danger zone.

You end up “in between” — not committed, not safe, just stuck.

Instead: Don’t move until your brain says:

“I’m doing this to change X (angle / line / timing).”

No intent = no half-step.

6. You’re tired and your legs are done listening

Late in a session or fight, when fatigue hits:

• half-steps become sloppy baby steps
• pivots get skipped
• posture collapses

That’s when the “sneaky” half-step turns into an awkward stumble.

Instead:

• Simplify: fewer steps, bigger resets
• More stillness
• Basic stance + breathing Smart rest > fancy footwork.

The Golden Rule (tattoo this one)

Never half-step just to move.

Half-step to change something:

• angle
• line
• pressure
• timing

If nothing actually changes after the step → it was wasted movement.

Quick Friday Checklist

Do NOT half-step if:

• you’re off-balance
• you’re chasing
• you need real distance fast
• you’re square
• you have no plan
• you’re exhausted

DO half-step when:

• you’re stable
• you want an angle
• you’re setting up the next thing
• you can stop or pivot instantly

You’re not dancing.

You’re editing space. ✂️

Hydrate. Roll your ankles. Unclench your jaw- and HALF YOUR STEP.