| Distance or Maai and movement or sabaki are | | | | Movement laterally from side to side and from |
| important when one is in a self-defense situation. | | | | front to back is usually necessary in a |
| Proper distancing and the ability to move allows | | | | self-defense encounter. A martial arts practitioner |
| the defender to fight their fight. Martial arts | | | | practices moving to avoid being struck or injured. |
| experts learn how to stay out of harms way and | | | | Training should include actions in which only one |
| avoid being seriously injured. In this article we will | | | | foot can move, both feet move and both feet |
| show how to train for proper maai and sabaki. | | | | are stationary and only the body moves. |
| Long-range, short-range and close-range are three | | | | Practicing techniques from these positions will |
| types of distancing used in a self-defense | | | | show what is most effective. |
| encounter. Each needs to be practiced with | | | | Ground fighting martial arts techniques are very |
| different types of martial arts techniques. This | | | | important to learn. Many times fights end up on |
| allows one to understand which tactic will work | | | | the ground. The ability to move is restricted on |
| the most effectively at what range. If a kick is | | | | the ground. Close-range techniques need to be |
| effective at long-range a knee may be required | | | | employed in this situation. If one is not properly |
| at short-range. The same basic motion is | | | | prepared to counter an attack they can be |
| employed in each. If an assailant moves closer | | | | seriously injured or worse. Training gives |
| during an attack the alternate technique needs to | | | | confidence, balance and shows vulnerable moves |
| be performed without hesitation or thought. | | | | to avoid. |