| The distance between opponents in a | | | | requires knowing how to execute both tactics |
| self-defense encounter can and will change rapidly. | | | | correctly and the ability to balance when changing. |
| Shortening the stick in martial arts refers to being | | | | Being unbalanced when changing can leave one |
| closer to the attacker. Whatever technique was | | | | vulnerable to being thrown to the ground and |
| going to be executed now needs to be changed | | | | seriously injured. At times the attacker will |
| quickly and thoughtlessly. In this article we will | | | | telegraph their intentions and allow time to change |
| show how to shorten the stick. | | | | the defense. Many times though shortening the |
| The ability to perform martial arts techniques at | | | | stick needs to be applied without thought. |
| all ranges is crucial. In most self-defense situations | | | | Training with all forms of distance and movement |
| the attacker will shorten the distance between | | | | is important. When practicing vary movement and |
| themselves and the victim when striking. If the | | | | distance. This builds confidence balance and |
| defender was planning a long-range kick this tactic | | | | stability. In a self-defense situation the way one |
| now needs to become a short-range knee strike. | | | | moves and distances can confuse an assailant. It |
| A short-range punch now needs to become a | | | | can also warn them of the level and experience |
| close-range elbow strike with the closer proximity. | | | | of martial arts the victim has. Many times this will |
| Whatever the new distance a martial arts | | | | make the attacker back down and stop the |
| practitioner needs the ability to shorten the stick | | | | attack. |
| with another technique without moving. This | | | | |