Distance
Intermediate Level Martial Arts term
Definition
A critical distance can be defined as any distance that has the ability to form a crisis or threatening situation. In Arnis/Escrima that refers to any distance from which your opponent can strike you with their edged, impact or anatomical weapons. There are four distances in Arnis/Escrima, three of which are critical.
- CLOSE RANGE The closest range that is encountered while standing. In this range, you are too close to execute many of the actual striking techniques. Consequently the Escrima must drop his weapon and continue the altercation unarmed.
- PROBING RANGE. This is a distance at which neither you nor your opponent can strike one another with a weapon or with the empty hand. This range allows you to briefly study or “feel out” your opponent. Outside or pre-contact range. The probing range.
- LONG RANGE. Represents the furthest distance at which you can strike or be struck by your opponent. It is a range at which your opponent cannot strike you with his weapon but you can strike your opponent’s hand with yours. In this range your offensive and defensive techniques become one. Your defensive block, in turn, becomes your offensive strike and vice versa.
- MEDIUM RANGE. It is at this distance that you and your opponent are given the opportunity to strike one another in the head or body. Because of this danger the Alive hand is introduced. The majority of disarming techniques are also executed in the Medio Range.
Explanation
See Also
