To us at Phoenix JKD, self-Defense in its totality consists of several objective (kicking, punching, clinching, and ground-fighting), yet relative ranges. Objective, because they are observed consistently and physically; and relative, because they have an overlapping nature and should not be looked at as merely several distances [stitched] together haphazardly.
We used to think of , for example, kicking range as a range where we only thought of kicking as a self-contained entity of its own-----even though we had integrated it with other ranges. It's been decades since that self-defense outlook has changed. The evolution, in keeping up with the [efficiency] of martial arts [ranges] has forced us drastically, to rethink the four ranges in self-defense and implement new approaches to the whole fighting parameters.
At Phoenix JKD, the four ranges are not viewed as merely links in a chain, but as a-one-piece-spring. This approach and methodology is more practical and much more efficient than the range-integration we used to have. Moreover, it provides our students with a more seamless understanding of the four ranges in the Art and Science of self-defense.
We hope this short article can help you a little in advancing your thought-processes in training.
SHAHRAM MOOSAVI
Photo: Persepolis, Shiraz, Iran