Shard

I prefer mixing up my ranges. I have no worrys about fighting an any range. But i'm most comfortable at punch range, cause i find that the most versatile. From there i can close up for the throws or back up to breathe a little. I think the only thing i hate more than the ground is the long range. I'm not very tall so i have a limited reach, and i don't like to give people that advantage.

humble_student

It depends on the art you know.

Bagua is extremely effective starting from elbow range then nearer. Unlike other martial arts, its low stance and unstretched arm movements make it extremely powerful and decpetive. It is "Chinese Boxing" but not in the sense of western boxing. Western boxing is punching or like that. When you say chinese boxing it is chinese in soul and character, and none of the right hooks and uppercuts of the sort( though it has equivalents in chinese boxing). Like wing chun it employs fast and yet powerful strikes, in the form of palm strikes, elbows, and the back of the hands, all which find more power and shorter distance in the elbow range. It involves no fancy movements, and is a true deadly martial art. It's low, and unusual stance can make the enemy uncomfortable, as none of the body is exposed and the style is unusual itself.

But I praise the other ranges also, bacause all are parts too in fights. We must learn to use them well.