From: taddiken@ms.uky.edu (scott taddiken)
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Subject: Getting to grappling range.
Summary: Request for technical discussion of issues.
Keywords: grappling, judo
Date: 12 Nov 92 20:44:46 GMT
Organization: University Of Kentucky, Dept. of Math Sciences

I am interested in people's thoughts on how to get from kicking range to
punching range to grappling range.

Let's say, for the sake of argument, that I am fairly confident of my
grappling superiority against my opponent in a "friendly" inter-art duel.
Let's say, also, that I am not confident enough of my hand speed to assume
that I will be able to catch their blows in mid air, and pull the other
fellow into grappling range; say, rather, that I would like to actually enter
their space and directly grapple their body, taking minimum damage upon
entry.

Enough hypotheticals?  Okay.  I have found that I can increase my safety in
closing from punching range to grappling range by shooting out my hands to
"cover" my opponents elbows or upper arms as I move in.  By "cover", I mean
to touch with my open hand, or at least to get my open hand in front of the
offending limb.  Of course, my opponent may well dance away, or step aside
far enough to get a line on my jaw and blast away.  Life's tough. Anyway, it
seems to me that one needs one's upper arms to be almost entirely unimpeded
if one is to deliver a powerful and accurate blow, and it also seems that the
upper arms are more easily accessible than the fists (although if it is a fist
that I happen to cover I will take it), and that I can effectively begin my
cover while still just at the edge of boxing range, providing that I move in
immediately.

I know that Gracie Ju-jitsu has techniques for "getting the clinch".  I
wouldn't want anybody to get in trouble for revealing info that I should be
paying for, but any comments?

Are there styles that I don't know about that deal with this sort of thing?
How, basically, do they do it?

Any thoughts on entering from kicking to punching range?

Further observations:  When my opponent realizes that my intention is to
grapple, and that I am not completely helpless in a fist fight, he begins
to "stick and move" in the boxing parlance.  Since he is hesitant to try any
combinations which might bring him in close (i.e. any 3 punch or more
combination, as far as I have seen), I am spared from the worst kind of
punishment, but I do take a blow here and there, and it's hard to get a grip.
I am well satisfied with this result, but are there any comments?

Finally, let me issue a request or two.  If you followup to this, as a
courtesy to me, would you kindly:

1) Don't snip up my post, answering on a point-by-point basis.  I'm sure
that, if you think about it, you can include some small part of my post for
context, and put all of your points into a few well thought out paragraphs.

2) Don't tell me that your master could beat me to a pulp.  He probably
could, but I actually don't care.  If you feel I am wrong, say so, but please
keep the conversation technical.

3) If side issues break off (i.e. "Kicking is better than punching", or
"Origins of Gracie Ju-jitsu), please alter the subject line as appropriate.

I very much look forward to your thoughtful replies and advice.
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Scott Taddiken, University of Kentucky
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts