CLOSING THE DISTANCE

 

In over 40 years in the Martial Arts I have been punched, kicked, elbowed, kneed, slapped, choked, pinned, locked up, (and oh yes) knocked out!! Yeegads!



Most (not all) of the time that these things happened it was due to poor control, but there was never a time that I didn't come out of it without learning a lesson. Even if that lesson was to NEVER work with that particular person again.



One of the greatest lessons I learned from all of the above was distance, "PROPER DISTANCE". That is, finding a range where safety prevails. A place from where you can consider the opponents abilities and not be injured "there is ALWAYS such a place" the trick is to understand it.



Now I always thought that the best place was out side of my opponents' range, but over the years I have found that there is another place that offers me both safety and a strong position from where to counter attack... that place is "inside" of the opponents ability!



I am going to back up a bit. The very first thing I teach any student, is that the BEST defense anyone could possibly have is to NOT be there... run!!

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The bottom line is this, "There is a loser in every fight, and whether or not you believe it, no matter how good you are, that loser may be you".



WE LEARN THE ARTS OF WAR IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND 

THAT ITS INEVITABLE END IS PEACE!



Any good Sensei will tell you that fighting will not make you a greater human being, and that winning doesn't solve all problems. Sometimes we have to withdraw in order to learn. (Book of Five Rings).

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So... what advantage do we have by closing distance?



1. We shorten the focal point of our opponent, making it more difficult to achieve the proper (or full) power.



2. We limit the movement of our opponent, thus not allowing him/her to​ find a comfortable place.



3. We limit our opponents' ability by not allowing the use of specific techniques.



4. (My favorite) We intimidate our opponent by entering his/her personal space, after all, very few people unless skilled, remain calm when distance is removed and noses touch!



What I am saying is this. Whatever your preference is in the Martial Arts, do not neglect to take time in training for all contingences. Learn that after all things are considered, To neglect learning (as much as possible) is nothing more than a weak spot in the training of our minds.



No, there are no hidden secrets, no short cuts, no easy paths. If you want to learn, please by all means come join us. We are slow... we are repetitious we are traditional, and honest in our approach. Most of all, if you are honest in your desire to learn,​ we welcome you.