We do this exercise in class.
Students lined up in pairs down the center of the dojang.
Side A does two forward motion kicks (no contact) toward side B, who slide back. Both sides keep their hands up, and eyes forward. Reverse and repeat. Partners work together to maintain a safe distance. They encourage and challenge each other.
I like the give and take. It is individual, yet cooperative. There’s a rhythm and flow, a direction and purpose.
As do many things we practice, the exercise leads us beyond the walls of the school, to where we want to explore the motion of our everyday actions and dialogue, finding a way to foster those feelings and maintain balance.