Free Sparring - Range

Range is one of the most important aspects in controlling an opponent. Unless you are in control of the opponent, either physically or psychologically, you should never be in striking range of the opponent. To gain physical control of an opponent, you must decrease the range while simultaneously blocking, checking, jamming, or attacking. Control comes when the opponent cannot gain the balance and leverage needed to attack or when he/she has lost control of an extremity, such as an arm. If the opponent is skilled, control may only be maintained momentarily, so you must immediately immobilize the opponent or retreat to a safe range.

A skilled defender may gain control of an opponent by psychological means. This may be accomplished by giving the opponent an opportunity to attack you (baiting) and then countering the attack. This manipulation allows you to gain physical control. A skilled opponent may not take the bait and may fake an attack so he/she may counter your counter attack. Combat is a game similar to chess. Each opponent is trying to out fox the other. You must correctly access your control of an opponent so you may adjust your range accordingly. Psychological control is harder to assess than physical control.

The exact safe range is difficult to define since it depends on several changing variables,such as the reach, quickness, and velocity of your opponent's attacks. Safe range also depends on your reaction time, reach, and quickness; which may vary from day-to-day. Finding the proper distance for a given combat situation requires awareness of your self and your opponent. This kind of awareness comes from experience.

Defensive Spheres

The defensive sphere is the invisible barrier one erects around the body. It has two aspects, the physical and the mental, that combine to protect one from harm. The physical aspect is dictated by the distance one may reach with the arms or legs to defend oneself. The mental aspect is the area around oneself where one believes defense is possible. This area changes in relation to the circumstances and ones capabilities. The physical aspect is limited and obvious to others but the mental aspect may change due to the circumstances. Speech, posture, and body language project the range of the mental aspect to others; they detect the level confidence displayed.

Range

As in other close quarter sports, such as fencing and boxing, range is also important in Taekwondo. Depending on the opponent, your fighting range will change. The best range for you is the range at which it is easiest for you to both block and attack, your comfort range. Range will constantly change during the course of a fight. Increasing range when attacked may be considered a retreat or it may be a shrewd move to draw the opponent off balance. Strong opponents will follow you no matter how much you retreat, so sometimes it is best to stay within you comfort range and fight to your fullest. Use range changes to draw your opponent into your attack.

Controlling range while sparring helps you avoid being hit and avoid injuries from blocking. It lets you strike the opponent and it may be used to frustrate your opponent. Controlling range also helps you conserve your energy. There are three fighting ranges: close, middle, and long.

Close

·         Hard to defend, but easier to attack.

·         Allows throws, chokes, grabs, sweeps, and pins.

·         Immobilize opponent's leading leg by staying inside it

Middle

·         Used once you have a "feel" of the opponents style.

·         Far enough away to easily avoid attacks.

Long

·         Outside reach of attack.

·         Used when you are fighting an unknown fighter.

·         Defender has the advantage at long range.

The "kill spot"  is the range where the opponent is least capable of attack and is most vulnerable to attack. It is usually just outside the opponent's leading shoulder. The "sweet spot" is the range where you may reach the opponent, but the opponent may not reach you. The "dead spot" is the range where the opponent may reach you, but you may not reach the opponent. Where the spots are located depends on the body structure of the two competitors.

Attack Ranges

Close Range: At this range an attacker may grab, throw, use chokes, or use arm/wrist locks. Elbow, knee, and head attacks may also be used in this range.

Mid Range: Punches and hand strikes are effective at this range. Lunging close range techniques may also be used.

Long Range: Kicks and lunging mid range techniques are effective at this range

Defensive Ranges

Close Range: At this range, effective blocks are grabs and close in arm blocks.

Mid Range: Effective blocks are all standard arm blocks.

Long Range: Leg blocks are effective

Fighting Ranges

Combat Range: Both fighters are able to strike each other.

Attack Range: You may strike your opponent but opponent cannot reach you.

Defense Range: Opponent may strike you but you cannot reach opponent.