Dealing with Different Ranges of Combat

Kicking range, punching range, clinch, ground fighting etc. These are just a few ranges of combat. Everyone has one range which they are most skilled at and which they prefer there fighting to take place. Boxers obviously favour punching ranges, Thai boxers work well in the clinch, Teakwondo fighters nearly always try and stay within kicking range and grapplers like taking the fight to the floor.

Because everyone likes fighting within a certain range a lot of the times we try and “look” for that range during sparring or competition. By this I mean we try and get within that range because it suites our preference. This should be avoided as sometimes it can turn out for the worst.

For instance, a grappler who is always trying to take the fight to the floor may try countless attempts at shoots or tackles. Against another grappler who will not strike back, that is ok, but against a seasoned Mauy Thai fighter who will use his knees and elbows when given the chance, this could prove disastrous for the grappler. Or maybe a preferred kicker may constantly try to get within a long kicking range. Whilst backing away from his/her opponent, the kicker may find that there opponent is a great puncher who is hurdling towards them throwing fast and powerful shots which land and do damage.

As mentioned, everyone has a range which they feel most comfortable in but one of the worst things to do is to constantly try and get within that range. Learning how to cope with other ranges and going with the flow of the fight is important. If it happens that you find yourself in a position not familiar to you, its best to try and relax, defend well, attack if given the opportunity and stay ready rather than trying to force yourself out of that range which will result in much energy expenditure and maybe some hits in the process.

Practise as many ranges as fighting as you can manage so as to get the basics of each one and so you don’t panic in any of them. Train them in your workouts so when caught in them when fighting, you are ready.

Marks

Related Articles...
Students Becoming Masters
Reality of Street Fights
Close Quarter Striking
Fighting Strategy, Taking the Centre of the Ring
How to Sprawl for Fighting and Training

Technorati Tags: ranges of combat, mauy thai, grapple

I'm reading: Dealing with Different Ranges of CombatTweet this! Share