Page 102 - Martial Science Magazine Special Edition 2015

GOLDEN EDITION 2014

A Travelling Ronin

How to Engage Anyone:

The Four Circle Method

By: Martin “travelling ronin” FranshaM

How to Engage Anyone: The Four Circle Method the incredibly complex question of how to engage
“Hey Coach? How would I defend myself against any opponent.
this guy?” Questions like this can be heard in Mar-
tial Arts schools across the world. The reason it is In order to accomplish this I fell back on Occam’s
asked over and over again because of the terrifying Razor as a guide. I wanted to make as few assump-
prospects of being forced into an engagement and tions as possible while raising my odds of success.
not knowing how you should handle it. As a glo- You obviously can’t “beat” everyone but you can
bal traveller I have had the privilege to train with improve your ability to fight back.

The Four Circle Method has three primary circles,
Skill & Techniques, Strength and Speed. Surroun-
ding these is the larger circle of Endurance. This en-
forces the mindset that none of the circles can exist
without each other. For example, you cannot throw
a punch without Strength or Speed or if you don’t
have the endurance to lift your arm. Everything is
connected but you can use more of one attribute
over another.

With a quick glance over your opponent you can
make a series of snap judgements. Is my oppo-
nent stronger? Do I think they are quicker or more
athletic? Does this person look to be more skilled
or simply more proficient at their art? Based on this
The Four Circles comprise of three primary momentary information you now have a basis to
circles that overlap inside the larger circle of engage your opponent or opponents.
endurance.
The goal is to get to balance point at the joining
fantastic Martial Artists from coast to coast. While of all three circles. If you can then you will large-
this has provided me with unique training oppor- ly control the fight. Short of a lucky punch, which
tunities it has also meant I am always working with does happen, your opponent’s only hope is to wear
different people, body types and styles. Conse- you down with and hope that their conditioning
quently, very early into my travels I had to deal with will outlast yours. Simply put if you are stronger,

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