We covered basic distancing in Karate Classes and Distance Part 1.
Distance is extremely important, but often overlooked in many karate classes. Without correct distance, strikes will be ineffective and the ability to control the fight will be gone!
There are many different types of distance to be aware of. The one below, basically covers your distance in relation to an opponent.
1. Safe Distance. The distance at which you know you have time if your opponent attacks, this is obviously quite a long range, where your opponent would need more than one step to attack.
2. Green Distance. This is where you first acknowledge danger, but the distance is as number 1.
3. Amber Distance. This is where you have acknowledged the danger and realize an attack is imminent.
4. Red Distance. This is where an opponent is within easy striking distance and is about to attack, you must act!
When practicing kumite in your karate classes, there are many different striking distances for your karate moves.
1. Closest Distance. Grappling, biting and very close strikes.
2. Close Distance. Knee attacks, head butting, elbow attacks, upper cuts, hooks
3. Medium Distance. Jabs,hooks,uppercuts,reverse punches,back fists,bottom fists, knife hand attacks, shortened kicks
4. Long Distance. Stepping attacks, long range kicks, jumping attacks
Once you understand distance, the next factor to imcorporate, is timing.
Check out more on correct distance in part 1.