Wheres your comfort zone?

[cfr]

Howdy all. My instructor and I were discussing ranges last night. Im more comfortable fighting in close (punches not requiring a step in/ elbows/ knees) as opposed to far back. I would tend to go in rather than back if I needed to adjust distance. However, I know that some people would rather stay as far out as possible. For a step in to be needed to punch. Now I will be the first to say...

1; My experience in MA's is pretty limited.
2; My experience in sparring is VERY limited.

because of these things, my views may change overy time, which is fine with me if other things work better.

So, wheres your comfort zone? Why? Do you spar better in one range than another? Why?

[Tant01]

Belly down...

Howdy all. My instructor and I were discussing ranges last night. ......


So, wheres your comfort zone? Why? Do you spar better in one range than another? Why?

Interesting question.

For some time (about two decades) I have held the opinion that there are really only two "ranges" in a fight. You're either IN or not. It's a rather binary perspective The academic study of fighting theory is all well and good but the average engagement is brief and the "gap" gets closed. The kicking, punching range get crashed through in the blink of an eye and it becomes a clinch game. I like grappling range....It smothers his attack and gives you the opportunity to use throws, chokes, and limb destruction techniques.

Not saying you need to get on the ground with the guy and wrestle with him though...

I prefer the enhanced mobility of the upright posture and my attacker(s) on the deck.

[elementaldrive]

my comfort zone

i try not to get more comfortable in than out but i like inside work better...trapping and three inch blasts

[HtTKar]

I guess I would have to say inside. I find that when I'm really under pressure I move in and attack. I have to pay attention to that. I'm also usually shorter than my opponents so being inside limits their attacks while allowing me to use mine. By being in, I dont mean just moving forward. I like to stay off to their side to limit their attacks to one side, and keep moving to keep them guessing. Mike called it the Knights move once...whatever its called; thats where I prefer to be.

[elementaldrive]

correction...now that i think about it

i have a tendency to close quickly and go for either a joint lock submission (wrist, elbow and shoulder) or project them (or myself?) outside giving center line.

[elementaldrive]

I guess I would have to say inside. I find that when I'm really under pressure I move in and attack. I have to pay attention to that. I'm also usually shorter than my opponents so being inside limits their attacks while allowing me to use mine. By being in, I dont mean just moving forward. I like to stay off to their side to limit their attacks to one side, and keep moving to keep them guessing. Mike called it the Knights move once...whatever its called; thats where I prefer to be.

like constantly moving toward their back or just circling?

[Freedom]

I prefer long range as i'm 6'4" and so i have a long reach with both my arms and legs. i also have a pretty good side kick if i may say so myself
This of course only really applies in sparring, as most street fights won't allow for long range trading.

[Blue Wave Gym]

Lol

I'm 6' 1" or 6' 2" but since i'm a natural heavy weight everyone that I've fought is either my size or bigger. i lke to kep a person on the end of my jab and offline him and use angles to make him fire and miss basicaly a continual disengaugement then when I see an opening I'll put a cross or hook on him

[elementaldrive]

i gotcha. kinda almost like lennox louis uses his jab right?

[Tant01]

We all know I mean between his arms by "inside" right? It's not another range of combat but a relative position.

The knights move is basic footwork to get into position to deliver your attack on the outside. It still closes the gap and gets you in the proper range to strike but it's not directly in front of him or from between his own arms. You would technically be outside as I understand it...

[HtTKar]

Behind his lead elbow, off to the side. He would have to turn in order to attack, while I can still either uppercut into his guard, attack his legs, or attack his side/back. Everytime he tries to turn I can either shift or attack. If I play it right, I can stay in that range for a while keeping him busy. Sometimes I'll take a good beating getting there. I havent figured out how to always get into that range at will, but when I'm there I know it. I can attack with all my limbs, while he can barely attack at all, and has to either back way off, or turn into my attacks to get out of my range.

I dont know how to explain ranges very well I guess. I dont find it as simple as either being close or being far away. There are too many angles. all I'm saying is I prefer being close enough to hit them with elbows and knees, while limiting their attacks.

[elementaldrive]

which side do you prefer to present. what side to you lead with?

[Sensei Saki]

The
red one, I think.That's an interesting question. I'll come back to that in a minute.




A deeper algorithm is needed to respond to that correctly.