What IS 8 - Way Run and how do I use it?

quote ign

"In addition to your basic movement options, there is another movement system in the game called 8-Way-Run. While standing still, you can initiate 8-Way-Run by holding any direction on the joystick. You can also start 8-Way-Run during a dash by first dashing either forward or backward and then holding the joystick in either direction.

Once you initiate 8-Way-Run, you can move in any direction by holding the joystick in the direction of your choice. Movement during 8-Way-Run is in relation to your opponent: holding 6 or 4 will move you closer to or further away from your opponent, while holding or will cause you to walk around your opponent. 8-Way-Run ends either when you release the directional pad or press a button or you are attacked.

Using 8-Way-Run in your overall game play is useful for allowing you to set up counterattacks by dodging incoming attacks, as well as positioning yourself in order to use the environment to your advantage. The use of 8-Way-Run is also important because it gives you access to moves that are not available when your character is simply standing still. There is an additional sidestep system called Step, which will be discussed in the Intermediate Tutorial."