subject: Controlling Space In The Science Of Self-defense [print this page] The true martial arts master or self-defense expert understands one of the critical ideas of surviving a brutal attack. And that principle concept is to control space. More specifically, to control the space, or distance, between you and your attacker.
However, for most students and teachers who are supposedly training for real-world self-defense, this idea is either a foreign concept, or is limited to the specific techniques of his or her particular system. For others, the concept of distance is a little broader, where there is the understanding of at-least close and long range tactics - others still add a third - mid-range - to the mix.
But, this only leaves us with, at-best, three ranges to work with. Unfortunately, most attackers are familiar with at least 2 out of 3 of these spacial distances. So, how can we go beyond the conventional, expand our level of proficiency, and have the ability to operate in more situations then just about any attacker we might face?
We can begin by realizing that, in the science of self-defense, there are at-least 5 ranges, or distances that can be trained for, worked with, and mastered. Going beyond the conventional close/mid/long-range mentality allows us to be in places, and to take an encounter into areas where our opponent is not likely to be comfortable - instead of the opposite being true.
The five ranges that you can train to master in the science of self-defense are:
1) Too Far - I know how obvious this sounds. But being too far away from your attacker so that he can't hit you is only the tip of the iceberg. Just like at every other range in the mix, there are specific, strategic things that you can be doing at this distance that will make it much easier to control, and therefor defeat your attacker when he finally moves in to attack.
2) Long Range - This range is understood by students who punch and kick more-so than those who are wrestlers. However, where most students see this as the range for primarily kicking, you should explore the abilities and skills that will allow you to quickly cover the ground necessary to deliver effective punches and grabbing attacks against your attacker's targets.
3) Mid-Range - Think of this range as normal conversation distance. This is where most boxing matches and fist-fights take place. Each combatant is squarely within reach of the other's jabs and cross punches. If we are fighting scientifically though - fighting smarter - not harder - we know that we should only be in this range when the attacker is open and preoccupied. This way, we're not compromisng our own safety in our effort to damage the attacker.
4) Close-Range - This distance is where grappling primarily comes into play. There is still space between the attacker and defender, as in the case of single and double hand grabs to clothing, wrists, etc. Judo and jujitsu practitioners understand this distance very well. The problem here is that the grappler forgets that, unlike a sport competition where rules prevent such actions, close-range strikes like elbows, knees, and headbutts are very well-suited for this type of spacing in a street fight self-defense scenario.
And finally...
5) Extremely Close-Range - Here, the opponent is on you. Think of Sumo, Brazilian jujitsu, and the attacker who grabs you from behind in a bearhug or cross-arm choke. Again, the conventional student tends to think only about the use of strength to either muscle the opponent into submission or to lock down to restrain him. Strikes are usually limited and marginally effective as the typical fighter still relies only on the hands, feet, and elbows - weapons that, at this distance require too much distance for effective application. Training at this range should include the use of pressure points, kyusho ("sensitive-area") attacks, and the use of non-conventional weapons like the chin, teeth, and shoulders to strike and damage the assailant.
Remember that I'm talking about self-defense here - not sport or competition fighting. If there are rules involved and your options are limited, then you will always have to work harder to win. In a scientific self-defense program, the goal is always to expand our options, fight smarter - not harder, and always, always, always... Keep your mind on escaping!
Because, in a life-threatening situation, unlike a game where trophies are involved, the goal is not on winning, but... survival!
