Martial Editorial
The Angle
As in life people are often figuring the anglesto achieve success, and so it is in combat. The scale of combat enlists quite a variety of situations and all are incumbant upon angles of attack, though in this article I will focus only on man to man combat. Be it with or without weapons
(excluding ariel weapons, I.E. guns, bows, darts, etc.) specifically angles of attack provide an avenue of approach which allow strikes to score. Generally most angles will be covered by a defender, especially by experienced combatants, but not all angles can or will be. By striking at an angle that is open a person will move to cover that angle, even if a person successfully stops the attack, he will of opened up another angle which you can now capitalize on. This new angle may provide a vital point at which the confrontation can be ended or at least used to create yet another opening at another angle.
Angles can be looked at in a dual aspect. For example, an angle of attack for an attacker, is also an angle of defense for a defender. Different styles address angles of attack and defense uniquely, yet all are attempting to achieve the same goal. Using and practicing angles allows you to become proficient in attacking or defending without thinking about it. The Japanese call it 'Mushin' or No Mind, and it is to react without thinking at its most basic level. This is achieved through hard diligent practice. Practicing angles provides a standard which encompasses all possible modes of attacking and defending. There are countless techniques with the empty hand, foot and weapons, however there is only a limited amount of space on the human body. Any of those techniques must be employed along one of your angles of defense, and conversley you may only employ one of your techniques along those same angles of attack. Becoming familiar with the angles will help you effectively attack and defend. As your body moves with your opponents, different angles become available as other do not. In defending you use the angles to staunch an opponents attacks. As he attacks in an angle, you move, defend and counter automatically. As stated earlier in attacking you use your angles to create othe openings until your opponent is defeated.
look into your styles method of useing angles. Learn them well, and emphasize them often. Mastery of them will save you one day. Do yourself a favor and have an angle in everything you do.
Thanks very much
Joe Knight