The Essence of Setups

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Everything is a potential setup.  Whether your opponent grabs the head, posts on your shoulder, grabs your wrist or makes some other contact, you have openings.  A big key to success on your feet is learning how to use the openings your opponent gives you, and create openings on your own.

A setup is anything that allows you to create a path or utilize the opening that is there.  The most common setup is a simple level change.  When you change levels, if you can see a clear path to the leg, with no hands and arms in the way, your shot is there.  Make sure you bend the knees and lower your hips, not your back, on your level change. 

What are the main things you need to do to set up your opponent for an attack?  We