THE DISTANCE

by Emmanuel Manolakakis

Distance changes the way you work.

In most martial artists, you study self defense from a set distance - about an arms length away. Techniques and drills usually stay within this agreed upon space. The reality is aggression comes from many distances, both far and near.

Scenario 1

Someone is 30 feet away walking towards me. I feel uncomfortable and start to sense the aggression. Do I need to see the fist? Or has my training allowed me to develop tactics from 30 feet away?

Scenario 2

I greet someone with a hand shake and feel my fingers squeezed past the point of firm, bordering on pain. Do I now need to push away and set myself before I can respond? What do I do if my fingers are broken? Or has my training allowed me to develop tactics for fighting with injuries?

Both these examples are not that uncommon. What is uncommon is the amount of time spent on these two polar extremes. While you’re training make sure to spend time varying your distance. Here are some things to consider:

Far distance (Not close enough to touch):

• Observation skills – The walk, run, look, breathing and tension
• Reading the situation – Intuition, fear in yourself and aggressor
• Scream and shouting Skills
• Throwing skills – Chair, bottle, knife…anything

Close distance (Close enough to touch):

• The use of movement to defend against any aggression
• The use of breathing to reduce or increase tension
• The ability to use entire body as a weapon

Physical Contact:

• The ability to take various strikes onto the body
• Dissipate or isolate tension from the body
• Understanding the dynamic rolls from various angles and levels

The Result from Physical Contact:

• Use of movement to lessen impacts
• Concentration and focus on the end results; not the moment
• Protection and working with injuries

There are thousands of ways to train for distances, so I will stay away from giving specifics - just remember once the distance changes, so does your work.

Be creative and the benefits are remarkable.

Russian Martial Art Training Articles

by Emmanuel Manolakakis

The Seven Principles of Systema Breathing
Consider your partner
Laugh at Yourself
Stick to it!
Five Monkeys
Shoulders To Consider
Youth And Systema
Check Your Gauges
The Distance
Multiple Attackers
Working the Wall
Rolls & Falls
Non-Contact Training
Training The Legs
The Squat
Get Focused
Give Yourself A Mission
Precision
Keeping Your Vision In Check

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