SELF DEFENSE- The Range Factor

In the past friends have asked me "whats the first thing you do in a fight?". Usually they expect me to describe some amazing technique resulting in an instant knock-out or devastating submission.However they're a bit disappointed with the answer. My reply is always "take a step backwards".This is because I don't wish to stand in reach of an attacker allowing them an instant assault.

Taking a step back means to launch an attack you're opponent must first come forward. This allows you a vital second to think or react.Distance and range are the primary factors for the beginning of a physical fight. Your attackers reach will determine their range and the distance from which they feel comfortable to launch their assault.Therefore the one thing we don't want to do is allow them this luxury.

This is why, as your first thought I implore you to either 'create or close the distance'. The first option as I stated is to move backwards creating distance and time with a possible exit.

But you also have a choice to close the distance. If you feel the situation is unavoidable and you've no option but to engage. Therefore closing the distance putting yourself 'chest to chest' with your attacker will put you inside their range, generally resulting in a clinch.

A tactic I use is to create distance forcing my opponent to come forward, and as they do close the distance at the same time. This gets me inside their range twice as quick narrowing the possibility of sustaining initial damage. This is a comfortable tactic for me as I'm quite short and have poor reach.

Once in a clinch the situation usually becomes a race to gain a dominant position. The most dominant being in the top position in a grounded situation, from which you can deliver damage with limited possibility of receiving damage. Therefore its vital to gain some kind of advantage or upper-hand in the standing clinch aspect of the encounter.

Two major factors at this time are grip and balance. As far as balance is concerned its worth reading my 'lines of balance' article. This will help you understand posture and give you an idea how to exploit it. It would also be beneficial for you to read my article on 'points of interest', this discusses basic strike points to unsettle your attacker during these moments.

I'll close by pointing out a basic fact regarding your attackers grip or hold on you. This is simply that in order to create a strong and meaningful grip or hold on something the human hand relies solely on one thing, the thumb. Without the addition of the thumb a human hands ability to produce a strong and aggressive grip is rendered useless. Although there are some extremely strong people out there with an impressive grip, focusing all your strength on one of their thumbs could gain you success in releasing their hold on you if this is a necessity during a specific moment in a situation.

I hope these articles have been of help to some of you , or at least an interesting read. Feel free to comment on them and thanks for taking the time. Stay safe.

Jester.