Ma-ai (Harmony of Space) / Fighting Ranges
Introduction
The concept of Ma-ai, or range, is important in all martial arts and combat. Range predominantly implies
distance from one’s opponent, however, timing is also important in determining the effectiveness of techniques employed
within the range. The optimal range is fluid and changes throughout the fight, as advantages are gained or lost. Choosing
the correct range is vital in controlling an opponent and influencing the outcome of any contest.
Range
Before entering the physical realms, there are verbal and psychological ranges. At these ranges, one may
weigh up the opponent and decide on one’s chances, before deciding to commit to any attack or defence. It is the place for
intimidation, verbal confrontation and also for conciliation. This range should not be neglected as it is still possible
to leave without any physical contact and the skill of diffusing potential conflict is a vital one.
The physical range of a fight, the Ma-ai, may be determined by the orientation of both the attacker and
defender. For example, the attacking range can depend on any weapons used, the skill of the attacker and their intention.
The range will be very different if the attacker merely intends to intimidate, rather than kill. Equally, the defending
range will depend on both intentions and skill.
The range at which one may feel comfortable can depend on strength and body size, for example, a taller,
heavier person may feel more comfortable with a close range, where the strength advantage is more apparent. A smaller,
weaker person might prefer to keep the distance and use striking techniques that do not depend so much on strength, but on
accuracy and speed.
Different fighting styles define and use different ranges:
- Tae Kwon Do - kicking at Arm-to-Arm range
- Judo – grappling at Body-to-Body range
- Boxing – striking at Arm-to-Body range
- Wrestling – standing and ground grappling at Body-to-Body range
Within HRJJ there are three main distinctions of fighting ranges: Arm to Arm, where the fighters
are about two arm-lengths apart. Arm to Body, where fighters are about one arm-length apart. Body to Body,
where fighters are so close they can touch torso to torso.
Arm to Arm
This range is often deployed when the match is not equal and when trying to minimise injury. For example,
when the opponent is armed (e.g. with a knife) or has a large strength and size advantage.
- Advantages
- Good visibility – the exit routes are not obscured by the attacker.
- There is no definite commitment fighting and it could still be possible to escape.
- Possibly requires less skill to execute successfully, when compared with Body-to-Body combat.
- Disadvantages
- A suitable opportunity must present itself, such as a target to strike, or limb to lock.
- It is difficult to control the opponent from this range, as only extremities can be reached.
Examples – extremity locks, wristlocks, strikes and kicks to specific body parts.
Arm to Body
This is a closer range than Arm-to-Arm. There is greater, but not complete, commitment to fighting and
less of a chance for escape.
- Advantages
- Closer to the opponent, therefore able to elicit greater force with any strikes.
- There are more innate striking weapons, such as knees and elbows, rather than just hands and
feet.
- Disadvantages
- Visibility is reduced as the opponent’s body obscures view.
- More potential for injury; just as it is possible to strike the opponent, they are also able
to counter-strike.
- Strong possibility of absorbing a few blows even if the attack is ultimately successful.
Examples – body strikes (such as to the neck), locks closer to the trunk; such as arm locks and headlocks.
Body to Body
Unskilled attackers are unfamiliar with this range; therefore there can be an element of surprise. Once at
this range, it means total commitment to the technique, which must be executed successfully. The mainstay of this range is
throwing.
- Advantages
- Very powerful techniques can be used.
- The opportunity to subdue the opponent and conclude the fight.
- Disadvantages
- Requires full commitment – once a technique is attempted it must be completed successfully, or
else one is left in an extremely vulnerable position.
Examples - hip throws and grappling.
Conclusion
To conclude, range is an important concept in martial arts. The correct range depends on both the attacker
and the defender. Range is a fluid concept and changes throughout the fight. HRJJ uses the concept of three different
ranges, each of which must be chosen carefully depending on the situation.
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