Distancing
Distancing is the appropriate selection of distance between oneself and a combatant throughout an encounter. Distancing is significant in an altercation as it determines both attack and defence options for all parties involved.[1] Timing and tactics are also important elements of combat which are often used in conjunction with distancing by experienced martial artists.[2]
Distancing is an important concept in all combative sports and arts. It applies to both un-armed and armed combat. In a martial sense, armed combat takes the form of traditional weapons practice. Given the enormous variety of martial arts weapons in addition to the various ranges of un-armed combat, it is possible to divide distancing up into many sub-distances or ranges. Indeed, many martial arts have their own uniques expressions for various distances or ranges derived from those they specialise in.
Distances may be divided up in a number of ways which include various combinations of major and sub-ranges. Although many styles train practitioners at varying ranges, most styles specialise in one or two major sets of ranges.[1]
In a general, most arts describe each of the following ranges (from longest to shortest):[2]
- Non-contact range
- Kicking range
- Punching range
- Clinch fighting range
- Ground fighting range
In addition, a great many sub-ranges may be included. One example is the division of the punching range into:[1]
- Finger striking range
- Punching range
- Palm-striking range
All other ranges may also be subdivided in a similar manner.
Many martial arts focus on specific distances. Examples of this are as follows:[2]
- Kicking range: Taekwondo
- Punching range: Boxing
- Clinch fighting range: Muay Thai
- Ground fighting range: Brazilian Jujitsu
See also[edit]
Notes[edit]
- ^ a b c Distancing (Combat Ranges) Archived September 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b c 8 ranges of combat, maai, irimi, closing the gap Archived May 23, 2007, at the Wayback Machine