Position is Key

In our last installment, we discussed the importance of 'ma'ai,' or critical distance between self and opponent. If you have not taken time to read that article, please scroll down until you find it, or simply click here.  The emphasis placed on this essential concept cannot be overstated.

Angles and spacing between attacker and defender must be realistic

While keeping with the principle of critical distance, a formal discussion around position relative to one's opponent is equally as important. In most forms of budo, self-defense techniques are taught from an unrealistic distance and angles that, under normal circumstances, do not present themselves. A prime example of this is the traditional wide step away from your attacker with a follow up round kick to their rib or solar plexus.

Before anyone gets up in arms about my calling into question those very things they've spent a lifetime studying and practicing, realize I am not saying these opportunities NEVER present themselves, but I am saying that during the heat of battle, the times that someone will be able to make a large movement outside the reach of his attacker in order to counter attack with something like a round kick will seldom be found. Why is that you may ask? For the very reason I described in the painfully long preceding sentence: you are within reach of your opponent and they will most likely attempt to grab you in order to reduce the chance of a long-range attack (like a kick) being launched.

Fighting occurs at intimate ranges

Smaller angles are much more typical, unless you are capable of pushing off or breaking away from your opponent. When that isn't possible, you must be able to compensate with small position changes (angles) in order to maximize the damage you can inflict upon him, and minimize the damage reaped upon you during an altercation.

Small position/angle changes allow for powerful knee and elbow strikes, accompanied by tuite (the Okinawan version of grappling, which isn't the same as judo/jujutsu). In addition to the enablement of those strikes are things like headbutts, joint taking, and soft tissue strikes not normally presented at longer ranges.


On numerous occasions, my students have heard me say, "Any two fools can stand toe-to-toe and pommel one another." It takes training and mindfulness to win the angle and seize immediate control of a situation.