Eskrima Kombat

It’s been a privilege to study with Maestro Mike Mulconnery. He’s one of the few short-stick stylists who is really clear in his strategy–it’s best to stay at long range. The opponent may close, or your counter may bring the two of you within medium range, but your aim should be to immediately move back out to long range. At long range, you only need to contend with either the opponent’s hand or foot. The closer you get, the more weapons that come into play. Get closer, and he can hit you with both hands and feet. Closer still, and he can hit you with both hands, both feet, both elbows, and both knees. Inch forward, and you can add his headbutt and his bite. Even if you strike a fatal blow, he can wrap you up as he falls. And if he has a knife, the closer you get, the more dangerous his knife becomes.  At long range, you have more reaction time because the opponent must travel farther to strike you. The closer you get, your reaction times shorten, because the distance the opponent’s strikes travel is much shorter.  But what is the ultimate long-range technique? Maestro Mulconnery pointed out something I’ve never thought of. If you see potential trouble at the park, you stay in the car and drive off. That is a long-range technique. Do you go to the bar, where there have been fights, stabbings, or shootings, or do you stay at home? You are wisely staying at long range. I lived in Fresno, which was riddled with gangs, murders, and crime. I am now practicing the ultimate long-range technique, standing hundreds of miles away.  What are other examples of situations where the smart thing to do is to stay out at long range, completely avoiding danger?