Going backwards

[Wastelander]

Context is key. In our self defense/bunkai training, we never move backward unless it is a small slide to adjust for something, or we are pulling the opponent. As has been mentioned, this is important to end fights quickly, to avoid obstructions in the environment, and for when you simply don't have space. In sport fighting, however, there are a number of tactical advantages to be gained by moving backward for the right reasons. Resetting to catch your breath and get a better look at your opponent, adjusting distance to set up longer range techniques, and baiting your opponent into a committed attack for you to counter, for example.

[sensei8]

Going backwards is akin to blindly walking backwards...off a cliff. The fall will overwhelm you on the way down, but the landing, that's not going to be a good thing at all!!

[Alan Armstrong]

Usually the direction a person looks is the direction energy is directed towards; also backpedaling is slower than forward motion, therefore moving backwards slower and has less punching power than their opponent.

Many people will be looking one way and walk in to a doorframe or a lamppost, hurting themselves by not looking where they are going, ouch ooppps!

If you are thinking more about going backwards than forwards; that's the moment to run away.