Closing with an Opponent
July 16, 1991
Mark J. Norton
Distance is an important factor in combat. Separation between opponents varies with
the type of weapon used: contact for unarmed combat, near for sword and jo, close
for firearms, distant for rockets. These differences cause some variation in the
skills used to close, but there several important factors which hold true for all weapons
and distances. Here, we will use the sword for example, but these hold true (perhaps
in more abstract ways) for other weapons.
To cut, one must be in range. Slicing air will never kill an opponent. If the enemy
is perceived, you must close to attack. Closing is therefore an imortant factor
in the attack. It might be stealthy (silent, masked, disguised). It might be forceful
(head-long into the fray!). It might be gentle (two streams drift together, one leaf
strikes another). When you close on foot, you must be centered and contained. Otherwise
your balance will be lost and your enemy will cut you down. Close smoothly and steadily. Speed is not necessarily the most important factor. It will seem to happen
rapidly. Focus is critical. In your mind, you must thrust towards the target with
the sole intent of cutting. Project your Ki before you, it will strike first and
will often unbalance the opponent giving you the opening you need. The actual attack
should be coordinate with the closing movement. Do not lift to strike too soon or
you will create an opening. Don't be too late (this happens from rushing forward
too fast). Be aware of the weak point, the opening in his mental armor. Strike there without
hesitation.
Several exercises have been developed to help the student work on closing. The first
is walking with Ki. [See Tohei, Ki in Daily Life] The second is striking with the
sword while moving. Several exercises for this are described elsewhere in this document. This leaves the static closing exercise. Arm a student with shinai, yourself
with another. Stand at opposite ends of the dojo. Explain how to close (walking,
focus, breath, etc.). The student defends first, using any defense he chooses.
The instructor then demonstrates closing and attacking with a single strike (usually shomenuchi).
Have the students attack one at a time from a line and rotate each to being the
defender.
Beyond this static closing exercise is a more dynamic one. Here both participants
close together to meet in the center. The designated attacker delivers a single
blow, the other defends. Each then withdraw and try again.
These exercises are also quite good for working towards ken randori (sparring). It
teachs how to close on the opponent, how to judge distance, how to move smoothly
and then attack.