In part one of this topic I will discuss the basic way of determining the length of your circle, the purpose of this drill, and how to move your circle for sparring purposes. So what is the best way to determine the type of defense or attack to use in a sparring situation inside the school as well as in the street? Simple, draw your circles. Now what do I mean by this? Well, to draw one's circle one must remember this number one rule: know your own body. This does not mean that you know where your toes hair and eyes are, but how far your weapons (i.e. arms, legs and elbows) extend.

Please note the picture above. Now envision yourself at the center point of the inner most circle (for illustrative purposes it is the black dot). The arrows represent the seven evasion points and one encounter point that you could move to during an attack. (Note: When you are facing the attacker that becomes the point of encounter. All other directions would be considered evading points). Each circle represents a distance to determine the weapons you should use for defensive or offensive purposes. The letters will represent the attacker's distance in reference to which circle he or she has violated. For the purposes of demonstrating the point, we will assume that the opponent is the same size and body structure as you. (In part two I will discuss how to use this against different size opponents.)

Drawing the circles

How do you determine the sizes of the circles? To start we will learn about the outer circle, since this will be your first line of defense. To determine its length, extend your leg in a sidekick. If you were to draw a line from the furthest part of the extension of your leg to the ground, that would determine the point of the outer circle. To determine the second outer circle, extend your arm. Again, if you drew a line from the furthest tip of your extension to the ground, that would determine the point of your second circle. The last and innermost circle is measured by extending your elbow out. Now you have a good measurement for all three circles. Let us start learning how to apply the philosophy.

Using the philosophy of the circles

Attacker 'A' is located outside the outer circle. Knowing that, you can determine that you will not be able to reach him, nor will he be able to reach you. The bottom line, the attacker has yet to be proven a threat. As long as they stay outside of the first circle they can not touch you. However, you can not touch them. You could throw all the kicks and punches you like, but all you will do is waste your breath.

Attacker 'B' has violated your outer circle, but is still outside the middle circle. With this in mind, you should determine to use your kicks. Front, side, roundhouse, etc. He is still too far for you to touch him with any punches. The only way to do that would be to move your circle, which we will discuss a little later.

Attacker 'C' has violated the middle circle. Now you have the choice of both long range weapons; kicks, and medium range weapons; punches. Please keep in mind that at this distance it may be best to use your punches, as you may not be able to get the power in your kicks at such a shorter distance. However, that is a personal judgement call. Also note that elbows and knees will not be effective due to the distance of the attacker.

Attacker 'D' has violated the inner circle. It is here that you would want to use your short-range weapons; elbows and knees. Medium range weapons are still effective, but long range are no longer advisable. At this distance, you may improvise your medium range weapons to make them short range weapons. For example; instead of extending a punch to its full extension, shorten it up and use your hip rotation to add the needed power.

Moving your circles

Let's say that you are a better kicker than puncher. You would need to keep the attacker within a certain distance. Pic.1 and Pic.2 you will see an illustrated demonstration of this. Pic.1 shows Attacker 'A' moving forward violating the second outer circle. By simply moving backwards, you move your circle back and therefore you keep the attacker within your kicking range. (See Pic.2)

It is good to practice this basic motion using all seven evasion points. Have your training partner come in while you move to each of the points and execute a kick. You can also use this same drill to practice evading and attacking using your medium range weapons and you short range weapons. As mentioned earlier we will cover how to use this philosophy while facing a different sized opponent. For now practice drawing your circles and think of different weapons to use for each circle.

Jeremy M. Talbott