This is the 572nd most frequent Japanese word.
歩
"歩" means "step" or "walk."
In this sentence, 歩きます (arukimasu) is the verb form that means 'to walk'. It shows the action of walking. The character 歩 represents the concept of walking or steps.
私は毎朝公園を歩きます。
I walk in the park every morning.
Here, 一歩 (ippo) uses 歩 to signify a single step. The character 歩 by itself has the meaning of 'step' or 'pace'.
その計画は一歩ずつ進めましょう。
Let's proceed with the plan step by step.
In this sentence, 一歩先 (ippo saki) metaphorically uses 歩 to represent being ahead or a step in advancement.