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Monthly Message: April 2009
Fellow Karate-ka:
This month, I have been asked to speak to you about combative tactics,
and their application in your training. I would like to touch on the
idea of the Three Rings of Defense: what they are, where they are, and
how to use them to your advantage.
The idea of combative 'rings' comes from, as far as I have traced it
back thus far, the European swords: broadsword, dirk, rapier, claymore,
etc. Each have their own 'rings' that vary due to the length of the
weapon, and the size of the wielder.
People have there 'rings' as well: Outer, Middle, and Inner. With each
ring, we find advantages, and hindrances.
OUTER
Hold your leg out in a side kick at hip height. Your foot marks the
outer edge of the Outer Ring. In this ring, only kicks and/or highly
extended hand strikes can make contact. At this distance, you are in the
least danger of the three rings. At the Outer Ring, techniques have a
long way to travel, giving you plenty of time to see them and
block/deflect/evade them. Know that any counter you offer is at the same
hindrance.
MIDDLE
Hold your upper punch out from your shoulder, and you have the fringes
of the Outer Ring, and the extreme edge of you Middle Ring. This is the
distance where most combat is done. It offers the best offense/defense
equilibrium. Blocks are effective, and counters are less obvious. The
danger of this ring is moderate, as strikes can connect with serious
effect.
INNER
Extend an elbow strike or knee kick, and you have the fringes of the
Middle Ring, and the extreme edge of the Inner Ring. Do NOT let someone
this close to you in combat! You are in the most danger as defense is
almost impossible. The Inner Ring is fast, strong, and highly
vulnerable. Many strikes are unseen, and wield devastating potential.
This reason is why it IS the best place to be when on the
counter-offensive. It is easy to maintain hold/locks, and even easier to
throw from.
Most forms of combat are done within the Middle Ring, and for good
reason. However, each person is different: learn which ring fits you
best. This can only be found in diligent training of basics, stance, and
applying the principles of kata.
Remember, these rings are not large! They are, at best, a half meter
from one another...on a good tall guy. Dropping from Sanchin Dachi back
into Neko Ashi Dachi should be able to take you from one ring into the
one beyond it. This requires a great deal of training in distance,
perception, and dynamic movement.
Be wary, though, when moving in on someone. Barring extreme height
differences, if you are in their Middle Ring, they are in your Middle
Ring. Be sure you can weaken their position, because the advantage you
gain, you give in return.
This
is the way.
Miko
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