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BEYOND BASICS
CHAPTER 5
DISTANCE
Distance is a skill that can only be acquired by practicing with a
partner. The ability to judge an opponent’s distance to be at the
best range for offense and defense is priceless!
The idea is to “feel” the connection between
you and your partner
Being a defensive fighter, I’ve been in a few matches where both
of us were good at distancing which made them very fun, strategic
matches, but extremely bo-o-oring for the spectators! Have you
ever had a spectator shout, “Do something!” during a match? Yeah,
more than once!
“ ”
The “Pole” is a visualization technique that helps to maintain
proper Distance.
Try and visualize an imaginary pole about 36” long attached to the
center of you and a partner. The idea is to “feel” the connection
between you and your partner. When either advances or retreats,
you want to be able to “feel” the “pole” pushing or pulling so you
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