New Dimensions

(Black Belt Magazine Feb. 1990 V-28 No. 2)

We often hear the terms gap, space, distance, and range used interchangeable in the martial arts.  In truth these terms each have distinct and separate characteristics of their own.  In the dictionary, a gap is defined as “a separation in space.”  Space is “a limited extent in one, two, or three dimensions: distance, area, volume.”  Distance is “the degree or amount of separation between two points.”  And range is “the space or extent included, covered, or used.”

These terms all describe the martial arts’ dimensional stages of action.  These martial arts techniques use space in all its aspects: height, width, depth, and direction.  They also utilize the distances that maintain, control, close and open the gap (fighting distance).  They employ long-, medium-, and close-range techniques in sequences while closing in on an opponent or when defending. They include a staggering amount of alternatives for close-range techniques, including various locks and chokes, twists, dislocations, holds, and takedowns.

Gauging the distance between you and your opponent when defending or attacking requires a thorough study of the dimensional stages of action.  It involves choice of weapon and target, arm and leg lengths of both your and your opponent, foot and body maneuvers, speed and accuracy, and reaction time.  You must consider intentional and unintentional moves, deceptive and deliberate moves, checking (pressing, pinning, or jamming), and nullifying moves made while simultaneously striking.  It further includes considering height, width, and depth zones, restrictions such as environmental encumbrances or tournament rules, or lack of restrictions (no rules, anything goes), and the possibility of injury.  Only with all this information can you determine the dimensional stages necessary to defend or attack with success.  It is not simple.

You should become acquainted with the different stages of range within the gap between you and your opponent.  They are crucial in combat as well as in tournament competition.  Range refers to what you can do with the gap.  There are four stages of range that should concern you: out of contact; within contact; contact penetration; and contract manipulation.

Out-of-contact range refers to that stage of distance that places you out of the reach of your opponent, or vice versa.  Unless foot and body maneuvers are used to bridge this distance, conditions are generally safe.  Contact range means exactly what it implies – the distance in which you or your opponent can be reached.  An injury incurred at this range may not be as crucial, but damage nonetheless can occur.  Contact-penetration range refers to the distance in which a weapon can effectively penetrate to a target, thus magnifying the damage or injury that can occur.  Contact-manipulation range entails controlling an opponent.  At this range, injury can be administered through locks and chokes, twists, dislocations, holds, and takedown.

The four stages of range pertain to depth.  Space that exists between low and high points relates to height.  Space that separates points from left to right involves the dimension of width.  All action that bridges the gap that exists in height, width, or depth falls into this complex but vital theory called dimensional stages of action.