Do you know what really separates a good martial science practitioner from a great one?  Usually there are little things and attributes that help but in general the practitioner that is fantastic at controlling the distance is generally great.  Throughout the years I have observed some great martial practitioners who understood how to control the distance or space between them and their opponent.  These practitioners were able to choose the battle ground so to speak because they dictated when and where the conflict would happen by maintaining the distance that they wanted.  Whether it was when using weapons, kicking, hand techniques, trapping or joint manipulation or finally grappling the individual that controls the distance can choose when the conflict happens.  I have viewed some high level practitioners up close and they always choose where they wanted to go by yes you guessed it controlling the distance.  Helio Gracie the brilliant technician behind the explosion of Brazilian Jiujitsu always chose to take people down and control them on the ground and is a master at it.  Remy Presas the founder of Modern Arnis chose or forced people to a place where he wanted them and then exploited it.  Hatsumi Sensei of the Bujinkan routinely plays with the distance and because of this his taijutsu is simply amazing.  If you can control the distance then you are in a position to be in the right place at the right time.  You will then have the opportunity to utilize angles, timing, etc. to your advantage.  So in your everyday studies of the martial sciences always be mindful of the distance and look for ways to use the space and control the distance to your advantage.

See You On The Mats!

Copyright Instinctive Response Training LLC 2008

Brian R. VanCise

Note: This Blog is opinion only and Instinctive Response Training LLC nor Brian R. VanCise is responsible for any third party actions taken.

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