TECHNIQUE; SUB-PRINCIPLE: Angling

Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)

Angling should be thought of as how one orients themselves to an adversary. This is sometimes uncontrollable when the adversary attacks with speed, surprise, ferocity and with weapons.  Still, angling or our orientation to the adversary is controllable by us and our ability to control the angling or orientation of an adversary is still possible.

Angling/orientation is a subtle sub-principle and it means we are in very close proximity to our adversary especially as to attacks of a predatory nature. Our proximity should be assumed for self-defense as very close, within inches, where we actually smell breath, skin and other odors. 

The most advantageous angle martial arts self-defense achieves is the 22.5 degree angle of the adversary’s centerline. This involves training to overcome the instincts of humans to remain head on to one another’s centerlines, it means stepping to the side up to that 22.5 degree position or orientation. This angle opens the void of the adversary and can be considered a primo position. It must be understood that this angle is one taught in karate and martial arts but it should not be considered the only angling because in truth the best position and angle you can achieve is behind your adversary and about 22.5 degrees off center at his rear. 

Martial artists and karate-ka do achieve greater angling and orientation dependent on the given situation of the attack but everyone must go past that 22.5 degree position to achieve 45 degrees or even 90 degrees. The martial artists also realizes that to achieve positioning and orientation to other angles that would provide access to the rear of an adversary are also achievable but still passes through the 22.5 and other angles.

The first angle of 22.5 does accomplish a minimal of movement while achieving a position enough to allow us to avoid the adversary’s oncoming attack and still does not sacrifice our access to the adversary’s targets, both premium and optimal. Access to optimal targeting does change and/or diminish as the angling increases past 22.5 degrees. 

Consider the optimal angle of 22.5 degrees as common to such things as the proper angle of alignment for bones in striking as well as for wrist grabs and more. 

Some rationales for the optimum of 22.5 degrees - most self-defense situations tend to leave larger angles inaccessible and strikes the adversary applies tend to be way to fast for side stepping to exceed the distance and time necessary to achieve greater than 22.5 degree angles. This angle offers us greater ability and opportunity to offer effective positions for both defensive and offensive goals. 

Consider 22.5 degrees to have a greater tactical advantage and that we transgress it on our way to other, greater, angles and positions in relation to the adversary. Our position and angle need not be compromised in order to achieve appropriate orientations and that angling concerns how we orient ourselves to the adversary and how we control the adversary’s orientation in relation to ours in self-defense. 

Bibliography (Click the link)