San Clemente Martial Arts: Distance and Listening

In western fencing, the fighting measure is the distance which a fencer keeps in relationship to his/her opponent. It is such that he cannot be hit unless his opponent lunges fully at him/her.

The fighting measure is kept by gaining and breaking ground, the step forward, or backward, being regulated to that of the adversary so that the distance is constant.

If fencers are constantly on the move when fighting, it is because they are trying to make their opponent misjudge his distance, while being quite well aware of their own.

In hand-to-hand combat it is the same. To stay just beyond the reach of the opponents longest weapon is the initial aim. This could be their hand or foot.

Using quick and efficient footwork an advanced fighter can probe for the path of least resistance. Skimming, gliding and staying light on the feet you can constantly probe with your hands and feet "listening" for the time to pounce on an opponent.

Often a fighter will look to step to the outside or flank opponent's lead hand/leg. This can provide opportunities to trap or immobilize the lead leg or hand. However, hitting is always the first goal. An advanced fighter will only immobilize/trap after hitting, not before.

Listening for the beats in-between the beats. These are the moments that an opponent's rhythm can be broken. It's within the transitions that the greatest opportunities lie.

Truth is found when things are the least comfortable.

Tweet

In western fencing, the fighting measure is the distance which a fencer keeps in relationship to his/her opponent. It is such that he cannot be hit unless his opponent lunges fully at him/her. The fighting measure is kept by gaining and breaking ground, the step forward, or backward, being regulated to that of the adversary so that the distance is constant. If fencers are constantly on the move when fighting, it is because they are trying to make their opponent misjudge his distance, while being quite well aware of their own. In hand-to-hand combat it is the same. To stay just beyond the reach of the opponents longest weapon is the initial aim. This could be their hand or foot. Using quick and efficient footwork an advanced fighter can probe for the path of least resistance. Skimming, gliding and staying light on the feet you can constantly probe with your hands and feet "listening" for the time to pounce on an opponent. Often a fighter will look to step to the outside or flank opponent's lead hand/leg. This can provide opportunities to trap or immobilize the lead leg or hand. However, hitting is always the first goal. An advanced fighter will only immobilize/trap after hitting, not before. Listening for the beats in-between the beats. These are the moments that an opponent's rhythm can be broken. It's within the transitions that the greatest opportunities lie. Truth is found when things are the least comfortable.