CQB: Ma-ai

Ma ai is range, or distance, particularly in a combat setting.

One of the natural impulses of people just learning to fight at buckle-to-buckle distances is to create space between yourself and the enemy. The instinct is often correct. If a guy wants to kill me, I'd prefer he was in Ohio while I am at home.

But, alas, that isn't how it usually plays out.

In CQB situations there are times you want distance from your enemy and other times you want to get very close. The middle ground, where you can be hit while he/she is flat footed is very dangerous if you are otherwise out-matched.

For instance, if he has a knife (or she has a frying pan or Louisville Slugger) you will want to be sure to remain out of range of the weapon, until the moment you decide to engage. The distance between you is often called "the Gap" and when you choose to get close, it is "Closing the Gap".

I am smaller than most men, and lighter. I never broke 130# until I was 35 years old. Perhaps you can understand why I was eager to master the mechanics of range ASAP. Even today I do not want a big, strong guy to be close enough to hit me while he's flat-footed. Thank you, I'll hang out a bit further.

(Hard to believe, I know, given my sweet and diplomatic disposition, but I actually inspire the urge in many people to take a swing at me. It's a gift. ;)

When you decide to keep the gap between you and your enemy (or enemies) you must be quick, you may feel foolish at first if you have to run, duck, twist, jump suddenly, or put a tree between he and thee. Get over it. Yes, you are going to get hit before this is over, but getting hit on your terms is always a better option.

If he is going to swing at me, either empty hands or with a weapon, I want him to have to commit to the attack. That means I want him to have to close the gap as he swings or tries to grab me, so that he builds momentum and is moving toward me. It is in his motion that I find my openings to either retreat further or counter-attack.

Once I have decided to get close, I will close the gap or I will give him an opening to sucker him close so he closes the gap. If I close the gap, it is usually by entering the dead space he creates when swinging or moving, (for instance, he swings a bat and misses, I enter immediately after the bat passes me, while he is still swinging, or I enter ahead of the bat's leading arc and I am suddenly at his wrists) or I take the initiative and drive a simple kick toward his knee. If he moves, I have closed the gap. If he doesn't move, I step hard into his knee and take it out at a 90 degree angle. Many fights are over at this point.

When closing the gap you will often choose to shoot into his personal space as he lunges at you. Deflect the arm or weapon coming your way, let it breeze by you as you slip just off the line of attack, and then get busy.

Once you have closed the gap, it is time to go to work. End it as fast as possible.

Sometimes you just can't get anything to end the fight. He may be much stronger, bigger, faster, younger, angry. So, hold on and hide using his body. Delivering a knock-out punch is almost impossible if the person you are trying to knock out is hiding under your own arm. You just can't get the leverage or momentum for a powerful blow. Yes, if you are clinging to your enemy he'll land some annoying blows. Suck it up, wait for your opening, then execute whatever technique is available. Pull his throat out. Turn his eyeballs to jelly. Grab his 'nads and twist with both hands. Work for a choke or armbar.

Do you drill on reaching and deploying your folder with one hand while training? Strong hand and off hand? What about your pistol, if you carry? How good are you at getting those two fight-enders into action while deflecting blows, dodging bats, or wrestling on the ground with someone who is bigger, stronger, faster?

Work on it. If you can't reach and deploy your folding knife while pinned on your back, then use it to kill your attacker even while he is trying to crush your face, you have work to do.

Then do it with two attackers. Anyone in a serious Aiki dojo trains to 11 attackers.

You must learn to get comfortable up close. That's where you'll kill him.

Never quit. The moment you quit, he wins. You die. Everything you were fighting to protect now lives according to his whims.

Never quit. Ever. Take him with you if you must, but do not let him live beyond this fight.

Kerodin
III