Fighting Ranges

As a martial artist, there are many different ranges (distances) to consider, each with its own protocols. All the techniques & exercises we train, can be organised according to the ideal distance from the opponent or training partner while executing the move. For example, some techniques fall under jabbing & kicking range, some are based within trapping & power-punching range, some are reserved for tight-clinching range, etc.

In this course we will focus on all ranges applicable to empty-handed combat. But we’ll briefly touch on the main ranges applicable to weapons based combat too, because you need to be aware of your vulnerabilities even if you’re not using a weapon, and you need to be aware of your potential in case you have the opportunity to use a weapon to help even the odds in case you’re being attacked with weapons, and unfortunately, when training for Self Defence, not just Sport, weapons are a reality you need to prepare for.

Broadly speaking, this is a rough approximation of the main fighting & training ranges, starting with longest range first…

Remote & unconventional warfare range

No matter how far you travel, you’re unlikely to find & face the source of these sneaky threats head-on. This range covers proxy forces including mercenaries and remote technologies (drones, guided missiles, etc) as well as discreet poisons and other intangible or untraceable assaults.

Heavy artillery range

The longest range of unguided munitions. Includes Howitzers and naval guns.

Mortar cannon, assault tank and sniper rifle range

Usually with scope-assisted vision. Needs direct line of sight or at least a clear-enough (penetrable) sagittal arc that accounts for gravity and wind conditions.

Overt handheld projectile weapons range

Assault rifles and guns without enhanced optics, bow & arrow, javelin (throwing spear), shuriken (throwing stars & darts), grenades, etc.

Long-spear & long-pole range

The longest handheld sticks that you don’t throw away. Includes the Dragon Pole / Luk-Dim-Boon-Gwan long pole, and long quarterstaffs.

Long-sword range

Includes Bo staff and Jo staff range.

Machete & short-sword range

This is also nunchaku range, short-spear range and bayonet range. Includes the Bart-Cham-Dao broad-sword butterfly knives. This is also a good range for empty-handed stand-offs with a little bit extra space for added security, although one little step is still enough to reach the opponent’s lead hand or leg, and one big step can reach their head or torso. This is a good range for one-step kicking drills.

Contactless stand-off minimum range

You can’t reach them from here without stepping, unless you both extend your leads at the same time, or unless you have a weapon to extend your reach. This includes wrist-reaching range for short-knife work, and quick-kill range for long-knife work. This is a good range for one-step hand-technique drills, to train our main initial blocks & counters from non-contact positions.

Pendulum jabbing & kicking range

You won’t need to step to reach them, but you will need to close the gap a bit in order to deliver your most powerful punches. This is quick-kill range for short-knife work.

Rolling-hands range

This is this range from which we begin Sticky Hands rolling, and we regularly reset to this range after shots have been successfully delivered. Powerful punches can be delivered by leaning or stepping in a bit, and/or pulling the opponent towards you. From this range we train moves like Bong Sau, Tan Sau, Fook Sau, Wu Sau and Lap Sau which are mainly employed from prior contact positions. This is also the main Wooden Dummy training range.

Hand-trapping & power-punching range

At this range, you can deliver your most powerful punches without needing any extra time or space to set them up. This is also the main Heavy Bag training range.

Elbow-striking range

You’ll need to make a bit more space in order to throw powerful punches from here.

Tight-clinching & headbutt range

This is when you’re being held so tightly that even your elbows are too smothered to land cleanly unless you make extra space first. But you may still be able to deliver a good headbutt, footstomp or eye gouge from this range. A short, sharp shoulder bump may also be possible. This is also prime territory for implementing Judo / Shuai Jiao and similar such close-range grappling skills.

Meditation & contemplation range

Zero distance from your body. Consider what inner work you can do, to improve your performance in a fight or self-defence scenario. Training for more patience & calmness, better awareness & adaptation, less hostility & provocation, etc.

Self-Assessment Questionnaire

• Which ranges are you most comfortable in?
• Which ranges are you most likely to surprise & overwhelm your adversary in?
• Which ranges are you least comfortable fighting from?
• Which ranges are you most in need of extra training for?

Magnetic Field analogy

If you have a strong preference for a particular set of ranges, and a strong dislike for all those ranges in between, you could behave like a magnet with a magnetic field like in the diagram below. Clinging to those ranges that work, and repelling those that don’t.

But you may be unable to dictate the range. So ideally you’ll be comfortable operating in all ranges, so you can move freely between whichever ranges you’re forced to be in, else whichever ranges suit you best at the time – to maximise your own effectiveness and minimise the power of your adversary.